All of us want to be environmentally friendly. Still, as the days become colder, it’s easy to use more energy (and money). Here are some useful ideas you can do to save energy this winter.
1. Check for drafts
Stand near each door and window of your home to see if you can spot any places where there’s a draft. A commonplace for air leaks is near electrical outlets. If you feel cooler air in an area or feel air blow through a crack, you will know there’s a draft. If you find them, close them. There are different techniques for doing this, including caulking gaps in windows, installing a weather strip along the edge of a door, or switching to an insulated outlet cover.
2. Clean your vents and radiators
Your vents and radiators should have as much access to open-air in your home as possible, so the warm air can flow throughout the house. To maximize their efficiency, take a moment to clean your vents and radiators by giving them a thorough dusting.
3. Invest in a smart thermostat
This is a no brainer! Since we are already spending extra cash during the holiday season, why not pick up savings with a programmable thermostat? This easy home upgrade can decrease heating costs by up to 12% and reduce AC costs during spring and summer.
4. Let the sunshine in
Ah, the sun – the world’s best furnace! Take advantage of it by opening your curtains during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home naturally, and close them at night to decrease the chill you may feel from cold windows. Not only you’ll save money on your heating bill, but you’ll also benefit from a wintery backdrop.
5. Block off unused rooms
If you have empty rooms
in your home, close the vents, shut the door and place an airflow blocker along
the bottom of the door. This will keep you from heating this room during the
winter. It’s a good idea to take that action now while the weather is
relatively mild. That way, you’re not heating the room when the first cold snap
hits.
6. Switch your ceiling fan’s blade rotation
If you have empty rooms in your home, close the vents, shut the door and place an airflow blocker along the bottom of the door. This will keep you from heating this room during the winter. It’s a good idea to take that action now while the weather is relatively mild. That way, you’re not heating the room when the first cold snap hits.
7. Fill up the fridge
Did you know that an empty fridge wastes more energy than a full one? That’s because the refrigerator has to work harder to keep everything cool; if food is compacted together, it stays cooler. Time to go shopping and stock up!
8. Air dry clothes
You’ll be amazed at how
quickly clothes dry hanging on an airier in a warm room. Be careful not to dry
clothes on the radiators themselves; your boiler will be forced to work harder
and use more energy.
It can be hard to
balance your home’s comfort with your winter heating budget. We hope our tips
help you find plenty of savings to carry you through the season.
