Fall Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners
When fall weather hits the Dayton area, many homeowners choose to turn off their air conditioners and open the windows to let in some fresh air. While this is a great start toward lowering your energy bills during the autumn, it’s just the first step. Fall is an excellent time to do a little preventative maintenance to help keep your heating bills lower in the coming winter. Here are some strategies to try.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
If you have not yet made the switch to energy-saving CFL bulbs throughout your home, take the time to do so in the fall. While this will not impact your heating costs, it will lower your electrical costs. Energy savings equal money savings, whether the savings are from the gas or the electric company.
Make Your Home Tightly Sealed
Are you losing heating energy because your home isn’t well insulated or sealed? To improve your home’s envelope, or the seal around the exterior of the home, take note of any drafty areas. If possible, use caulk or weather stripping around drafty windows or doors, or add some insulation to the attic above drafty rooms. If you are still concerned, consider investing in a home energy audit. The energy savings possible when you fix the problems found on a home energy audit make it well worth the expense.
Cover Your Windows
Windows are a great way to let in natural light, but they are also a great way to let out heat in the winter. In fact, because they are such an important part of the overall envelope around a home, windows can contribute to almost half a home’s overall heat loss in the winter. To help, consider adding window coverings that have insulating properties, and closing them at night to protect your home. You can also use window films to improve the efficiency and insulation of the windows around your home.
Use the Thermostat Effectively
Finally, invest in a programmable thermostat, if you don’t already have one, and learn to use it efficiently. Lowering the heat to around 55 or 60 when you are not at home will cut your energy costs tremendously, and a programmable thermostat allows you to schedule your heating unit so it will turn on well in time for your return home from work.
This fall, make a commitment to cut your energy costs. Your wallet with thank you, and you will be doing your part to protect the environment. With these tips, lowering your energy use is easy. For more tips and tricks or for help with making your home more energy efficient, reach out to our electric team!
