This is the time of year where heating costs start to rise with unpredictable outdoor temperatures. One day in the 50s and the next in the 30s. Many homeowners have asked us if we have any tips going into the winter season that will save them a few dollars. Here are some of our favorite tips from Energy.gov
Maintain Your Heating Systems
Schedule service for your heating system.
Furnaces and heat pumps: Replace your filter once a month or as needed. Find out more about maintaining furnaces or boilers and heat pumps by giving us a call.
A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature and save you energy costs by slowly adjusting your thermostat to your programmed temperature settings especially if you have a heat pump.
Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun
Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Check Your Attic and Other Home Spaces
Have someone check your insulation in the attic especially if you have duct work and vent piping running through your attic space.
Check your garage and other home spaces for insulation and cracks
Find and Seal Leaks
Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs in outside walls for pipes (plumbing penetrations under sinks, etc), gaps around recessed lights and unfinished spaces behind cabinets and closets.
Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace
Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned especially if it is Gas.
Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
If you never use your fireplace, have a chimney company inspect and properly seal it.
Wood and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly and clean the burner chamber as manufacturer recommends.
Lower Your Water Heating Costs
Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands. Find other strategies for energy-efficient water heating.
Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs
Use light-emitting diode -- or "LED" -- holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.
Learn about the advantages and potential cost savings of LED holiday light strings. Find manufacturers and brands of ENERGY STAR® certified decorative light strings.