Having an energy efficient home can help you reduce your environmental footprint and help reduce your bills. In the winter, running an efficient home can help keep your home comfortable and your family warm. Here are some energy saving tips for your home.
7 Home Energy Saving Tips
- Use efficient appliances
ENERGY STAR appliances are reviewed and marked for their high efficiency. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR sticker have met certified energy efficiency standards and are the most efficient products on the market. ENERGY STAR certified products save time, save energy, save money and save the environment. Check your appliances for the ENERGY STAR sticker and consider replacing older appliances with certified products. - Keep Cold Air Out!
Ensure your home is properly insulated so you keep the heat (you’re paying for) inside, and the chilly air outside. Inspect your attic and roof for any opportunities to re-insulate or add more insulation. Remember: hot air rises! While you’re inspecting your home, take a look around doors and windows for any leaks that should be sealed. - Weather-Proof Doors
After you inspect the inside of your home for any air leaks, talk a look outside. Identify any opportunities to weatherproof your home. Check for areas where hot air can leak out of your house. Consider your garage (and any inside doors that lead to it) and any doors that lead outdoors (use draft stoppers to keep the cold air from sneaking in). - Adjust or Program Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat can help you lower your bills in the Winter. You could lower the temperature a degree or two and throw on some extra layers. Alternatively, use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home. - Clean All Vents
Don’t make your furnace work harder than it needs to. Ensure all air vents have been cleaned and that nothing is blocking them from doing their job! And don’t forget about your HVAC system itself. Check the filter to make sure it’s clean. If it’s been a while, you may want to consider scheduling a maintenance appointment so your furnace can get a quick check-up before its busy season. - Take Advantage of Sunny Days!
When the sun comes out, open your blinds so you can take advantage of some free heat. - Set Timers During the Dark Season
The Winter season can feel long despite its short days. When the sun goes down early, avoid using all the lights in your home. Use lights only in the room you’re in, consider using the dimmer switch when you can or try setting timers so lights will automatically turn off.
