Winter Energy Saving Tips from Robert B. Payne, Inc
The winter season brings with it colder weather, less sunlight, and higher energy bills. As winter approaches, it is important to take steps to ensure you are saving energy and money. Here are some winter energy-saving tips for a more efficient home this winter!
Closed Curtains at Night
One of the biggest things you can do to conserve energy in winter is to keep the warm air inside your home. One easy way to do this is by closing the curtains at night. This will help keep the heat from radiating out and escaping through the windows.
Doors and Vents in Unused Rooms Should Be Closed
If you’re not using a particular room, make sure to close the door and any vents leading to that room. This will help keep the warm air inside and conserve energy. Close off all vents and shut all doors in the room to avoid spending money on heating an empty space.
Reset the Water Heater Thermostat
The water heater is often one of the biggest energy users in a home, so it’s important to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. One way to do this is to reset the thermostat on the water heater. The thermostat should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher than that is unnecessary and will only lead to wasted energy. If you set the temperature on your water heater a few degrees lower, you may save money on your energy bills.
Space Heaters are Important in Winter
Space heaters can be a great way to conserve energy in winter. They allow you to heat only the specific areas of your home that you need heated, rather than heating the entire space. Make sure to use a space heater that has an Energy Star rating, as these are more efficient than other models. This will help you conserve energy and save money on your energy bills.
Let the Sun Shine in During the Day
One of the best winter energy-saving tips is to make sure your home is well lit during winter. During winter, if you let in some natural sunlight during the day and close all curtains and blinds, this will help keep your home warmer than if it was completely dark. You take advantage of the greenhouse effect by opening your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the sun to heat your home naturally.
Avoid Air Leaks and Drafts
Drafts can lead to a lot of wasted energy in winter. One easy way to stop drafts is by installing weatherstripping around your doors and windows. You can also use door snakes or draft stoppers to help keep the warm air inside your home. If the weather stripping around your door frame is drafty, examine it for any holes or tears. Replace any damaged or missing weatherstripping and seal any broken seals with fresh caulk. There are a variety of types and styles of window film, each with its own set of advantages. Window film is inexpensive, simple to apply and remove in the spring, and can be purchased at any hardware store or online.
Keep Warm With Clothes and Blankets
During winter, staying warm is one of the best winter energy-saving tips that you can follow. Wearing winter clothing can help keep your body heated up and conserve a lot of energy. Another way to save on winter heating bills is by wrapping yourself in blankets while watching TV or doing any chores.
Keep the Air Circulating
Another winter energy-saving tip is to keep the air in your home circulating by opening and closing windows and doors regularly. Open windows and doors when it’s cold outside to allow the cool air inside your home to escape and be replaced with warm air. Make sure to close them again when it starts snowing or raining, so that you’re not spending money on heating an outdoor space.
When the Oven Isn’t in Use, Open the Door for Natural Convection Airflow
If you’re not using the oven, open the door to allow for natural convection airflow. This will help keep the heat in your kitchen and prevent the oven from having to work harder than necessary to heat up your home. However, if you’re going to use it no matter what, there’s no point in wasting all that heat.
When you Go to Sleep, Turn Off the Thermostat
One of the best winter energy-saving tips is to turn your thermostat down when you’re going to bed. If you can sleep in a cooler environment, you’ll save on your energy bills. You may also want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. This will help you conserve energy and save money.
Get a Smart Thermostat
Another winter energy-saving tip is to get a smart thermostat. You can control the temperature from anywhere by using your smartphone from your wireless network. This will allow you to keep warm when you’re away from home, and lower the temperature at night so that you save on winter heating costs.
LED Lights for Your Home and Decorations
If you’re planning to decorate your home with winter lights, consider investing in LED lights. Oftentimes, LEDs use much less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can be much brighter. Furthermore, they are more durable, which means that they won’t have to be replaced as often.
Lower the Temperature in Your House
If you are planning to go on winter vacation, or if your winter is just too cold for comfort, it’s a good idea to lower the temperature in your house. This winter energy-saving tip will help you save money on heating bills. You can lower the temperature by a few degrees and not even notice the difference. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
Get in touch with our team
Get in touch with our team today at 540-373-5876 and make an appointment, if you need any help with your heating and cooling system. Our team is always here for all of your comfort needs.