Home Energy Savings Tips for Winter
Most homes have cracks or leaks where warm air quickly escapes;
All homeowners want to save money on energy bills, which becomes especially difficult in fall and winter. Several daily steps can be taken to help conserve energy during the cooler months. Keep these tips in mind so that the energy bill doesn’t skyrocket as the temperatures drop.
Unplug electronic equipment
The television, stereo, coffee makers, hair dryers, and any other equipment with external power adapters consume energy while plugged in, even if they are turned off. This phenomenon is called a phantom load and can account for up to 15% of home energy use. Unplugging phantom load devices is a simple step that can help cut energy consumption, especially during fall and winter when the energy bills are already rising.
Insulate to save energy
Most homes have cracks or leaks where warm air quickly escapes; this causes the furnace to work extra hard to maintain an average level of warmth, causing the energy bill to rise substantially. Strong insulation helps keep warm and cool air out of the home. Insulate wherever air leaks along windows or doors are detected. Weather stripping or caulk is an efficient way to stop heat loss. Also, proper insulation in the attic and walls helps keep a home warmer and lowers heating costs. Though installing insulation material poses an upfront cost, the years of energy savings it provides result in the project paying for itself.
Efficient appliance use
Appliances can also drain energy, especially when the appliance is exerting too much energy for the job it's performing. Ensuring that the appliance load matches the energy use is an easy way to save on the electric bill. For example, be sure the pot or pan sizes match the burner size on the stove and that the dry time on the dryer is just enough for the load size; these steps can keep appliances from overworking.
Turn the lights off
Being mindful of turning lights off is an easy step to cut energy costs. If returning home in the dark is uncomfortable, invest in a timer to have them turn on and off at specific times. This is especially important for holiday lights, as they use a lot of energy and aren't necessarily very late into the night. Consider choosing LED lights, as they're the most cost-efficient.
Check the heating system's efficiency
One of the best ways to save on energy is to ensure that the home's heating system works as efficiently as possible. Simply having the furnace checked and serviced before the cold season can help save on energy bills and help avoid mid-winter break-downs. This work should be done before the cold season so that necessary repairs can occur before the furnace is needed. Contact a local HVAC company in the late summer or early fall to schedule an appointment with one of their experts.
Fall and winter don't have to be outrageously expensive. If heating bills are a concern, consider other ways to cut energy costs during these months. Simple daily habits can make a difference if the whole family puts forth the effort. Keep these tips in mind to maintain a reasonable energy bill during the colder months.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717)696-1511.
