The winter months bring high energy bills thanks to shorter days and colder temperatures. With homeowners taking steps to help reduce the amount of energy they’re using on a daily basis, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what makes a difference and what doesn’t. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry – we’re sharing our best tips to help you save energy this winter (and all year round!).
1. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Switching out the incadescent light bulbs in your home for CFLs and LEDs will drastically reduce the amount of energy used each day just from having the lights on in your home. They might cost more to replace, but they last longer, use less energy, and will help lower your energy bill in the long run.
2. Install a programmable thermostat
Life gets busy and oftentimes, we forget to turn down the temperature on the thermostat before going to bed or when no one is home. When this happens, energy isn’t being used wisely and installing a programmable thermostat in your home can help avoid this issue. Once you have your thermostat installed, program the temperature to drop by a few degrees when you’re sleeping or at work during the day.
3. Cover drafty windows
If you live in an older house or do not have energy-efficient windows, window shrink film will keep the warm air in and the cold air out. What’s the best part? It’s only temporary and simple to set up on your own. Besides, you could also install Window Shutters. When the shutter panels and louvers are closed, they can cut heat loss through windows by more than half. When combined with secondary glazing, this figure can reach 62 percent. You could also combine shutters with curtains for even better insulation. If your windows are old, then they might need to be replaced. Energy-efficient windows could be easily found by checking out websites similar to https://www.replacementwindowsdallas.net/ that provide replacement services as well. After you replace them, you could still cover them up with a window shrink film as an extra precaution.
4. Service your heating system
Many of the homes in Massachusetts are older, which means their heating systems are just as old. Before the winter starts, schedule an appointment to have your system inspected and serviced to ensure it will run efficiently all winter long. If you need to replace your heating system, it’s best to do so before winter fully kicks in to avoid losing heat in your home during a storm.
5. Reduce water heating costs
To help decrease water heating costs, reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees or consider installing a new, tankless water heater. Not only are they energy-efficient, but they are also space saving and give you an unlimited supply of hot water.
6. Take advantage of sunlight
During the day, be sure to open all of the blinds and curtains in your home to allow the strong rays of the sun to enter your home and warm it. This will allow you to turn the temperature on the thermostat down a few degrees and the natural light will allow you to avoid turning the lights on in your home.
7. Reduce loss of heat through the fireplace
If your home has a fireplace, keep the damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use to stop heat from escaping. When you are utilizing your fireplace, close the doors to the room the fireplace is in to help heat the room and if you don’t use your fireplace, consider sealing the flue. Make use of a wood-burning fireplace if possible, as it can reduce your utility bills along with your carbon emissions. Take advantage of firewood delivery services from providers like cuttingedgefirewood.com to have a regular supply of wood logs.
8. Replace air filters
Replacing the air filters in your homes heating system regularly will keep your system from running harder than it has to. When the air filters are covered in dirt, dust, and debris, it blocks proper airflow through the system, which uses more energy and raises energy costs.