With winter in full swing, many homeowners are running furnaces non-stop, and some turn to all types of portable heaters to keep warm. With that said, energy costs can be expected to be a whole lot higher during these frigid months. Finding ways to save energy is critical to every homeowner and definitely critical to the pocketbook as well.
As the winter temperatures fall, homeowners are sure to use more electricity and fuel in order to keep homes and families warm. Most are aware of how much energy HVAC systems use, but there’s really no getting around that necessity during the winter months.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THIS WINTER
There are a number of ways you can save energy and save on energy costs this winter.
- Schedule your HVAC inspection and maintenance – Be sure to have your HVAC system inspected and have routine maintenance performed annually. Proper routine maintenance will ensure optimum performance of your HVAC system and will ensure that your home and family are comfy and warm all winter long.
- Use natural heat during the day – In the daytime hours, open your blinds and curtains to allow the natural sunlight in. This is one surefire way of saving money on your heating bills while keeping your home and family warm. Keep in mind that insulated drapes are, by far, the best window treatments for energy efficiency.
- Do your windows need upgrading or replacing? – Though window replacements can be quite costly, over the long run, they will more than pay for themselves in the energy cost savings you will enjoy. Older windows that have drafts and leaks lose at least 30-40% of heat that is generated by your furnace or heater, forcing you to actually waste money when you pay for your energy bills.
- Caulk and seal your doors and windows – The cheapest way to solve drafting and air leaks in your living space is by investing in weather stripping and some caulking or sealant. Apply weatherstripping on the bottom of doors and along window sashes. And use sealants or caulking around the window and door frames and edges.
- Invest in LED lights – LED bulbs are more energy efficient than typical bulbs, and help to minimize your energy costs. There are also LED holiday lights that you should consider using as well.
- Add a little bit of insulation – If your home is not properly insulated, rest assured you are losing near to 25% of the warm air being generated by your furnace or heater. Before winter arrives, it is wise to invest in additional insulation for your roof, walls, and even your plumbing pipes. Doing so can also cut costs on your electric bills.
- You may want to consider space heaters – If you do not use all the rooms in your house all the time, then it may be practical to turn down the thermostat on your HVAC system so it does not kick on and run continuously and instead use space heaters. When using space heaters, be sure to close off the room so that the heaters can run more effectively and efficiently. Remember, however, never to run space heaters when you are sleeping since they can easily cause electrical fires in the home.
YOUR TRUSTED ELECTRICAL PROFESSIONALS
Gervais Electric, Inc. and our team of skilled professionals wants each everyone to be safe, warm, and comfortable all winter long. We’re excited to educate our clients on how to save energy and electricity costs as well. Remember, if you find yourself in need of any type of electrical services this winter, or any time of year, take time out to contact one of our team members and schedule your home appointment. We look forward to providing everyone with only the highest quality electrical parts and services, and we send along warm wishes from our family to yours for a safe and happy winter season!
