The time of year for cozy sweaters, sheepskin slippers, nights by the fireplace, and big mugs of hot cocoa is fast approaching. However, that means the time of year for all of the warm air in your home trying to escape and cold air from the outdoors trying to come in is also coming. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy steps you can take before the temperatures drop to lower your winter energy bill by ensuring that your home isn’t wasting energy. Here are five of the best:
Utilize the sun’s heat. When the sun is shining during the day, take advantage of its warmth. Opening the curtains on your south-facing windows is a wonderfully natural way to heat your home. And you can easily close them at night to keep out the chill from the cold windows. If you use window tints during the summer, be sure to remove those. Window tints can block as much as 79% of solar heat. This can reduce cooling costs in the summer but working against you in the winter.
Cover drafty spots. The small gaps around your windows and doors are cold air’s opportunity to get in and warm air’s perfect exit path. To use less heat during the winter, block drafty spots by taping clear plastic film to the inside of the frames. You can also invest in insulating drapes or window shades. You can also use draft blockers to sit at the bottoms of your doors and windows.
Keep an eye on the thermostat. While everyone wants to be warm and cozy during the winter months, you can lower your winter energy bill by turning down your thermostat when you’re asleep and away from home. You can save approximately 10% on your heating bills per year by turning your thermostat down by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. Snuggle up in blankets and socks, and just be sure that it’s warm enough for any pets at home.
Take care of leaky faucets. No matter what time of year it is, leaky faucets or pipes in your home waste lots of water. Approximately 10% of homes have leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water per day. Have a professional come to look at leaky spots, or take up the DIY project and do it yourself.
Clean your ducts. Winter cleaning isn’t a classic activity you think of for the season. However, it’s a necessary bullet on your to-do list if you want to be more energy efficient. When air moves through your home’s ductwork to get from the furnace to the vents, some of it is lost. These distribution losses typically amount to 30% of your home energy bill. Before you have the heat blasting for months on end, consider having your air ducts cleaned out for better efficiency. For a less costly solution, change or clean your filters regularly to improve your furnace’s efficiency.
Of course, there are long-term solutions for energy efficiency if you’re willing to make an investment to lower your winter energy bill. According to a survey by the National Association of Homebuilders, 90% of respondents listed Energy Star appliances as a feature that was either essential or desirable on their most-wanted list. Purchasing these types of appliances will make your home energy efficient and your bills lower for years to come. Combine that investment with all of the small things you can do for energy efficiency, and you’ll be saving all winter long.
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Nice (and timely) article! I can recommend down blankets on the beds AND a propane fireplace for the main living areas. We keep our thermostat set at 55-60, and between the down blankets at night and the fireplace during the day, we’re comfy and cozy.
Agree on propane fireplace. Make sure it uses batteries not electrical power for the “spark”. Ours keeps about 800 of our 1000 sq ft home warm enough. After talking to a gas company repairman I wish I still had the 1920 gas flame room heaters from Granny’s house, they NEVER broke down like the cheap stuff does now.
I really like reading through an article that can make men and women think.
Who can argue with that?
An electric blanket! Use it for just for 10min or so to warm up the bed, then slip in nice and cozy. If you keep the interior temperature down this makes going to bed much more comfortable. Call me soft, but a genuine pleasure….
If you dress warmly, and move about, you can keep the thermostat low during the day time. If you feel cold, get up and clean house. You’ll feel really warm soon. Better yet, get in the kitchen, and bake things. You’ve got your bulky fat clothes on it. You can lose weight in the spring.