Your heating and cooling systems will be working overtime to keep your home and family comfortable during the coldest months of the year. This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, in addition to putting a strain on your system.
However, just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay more for energy, especially if you take a few steps to make your home more energy-efficient. Here are some winter home energy efficiency tips to keep your energy bills low and your family warm during the coldest months of the year.
Check Your Windows
Spending time on your windows is one of the most effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient during the winter. If your home has southern-facing windows, for example, keeping your curtains open during the day allows sunlight to enter and serves as a natural heating source.
This practice may allow you to save your heating system for the nighttime hours colder. Your windows, especially if they’re drafty, can also allow energy to escape your home. During the winter, taping a plastic film inside your window can prevent air from leaking into and out of your home, increasing the efficiency of your heating system.
Set Your Temperature Accurately
Failure to properly set your thermostat is a leading cause of reduced energy efficiency during the winter months. Although it’s understandable to want to keep your house warm during the colder months, doing so can significantly increase your energy bills.
Set your thermostat as low as possible while still being comfortable if you’re at home. By lowering the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees while sleeping, you can save a significant amount of money. Installing a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature better and improve energy efficiency is a good idea for homeowners who are gone for long periods during the day.
Seal All Air Leaks
As previously stated, air leaks are a significant issue regarding home energy efficiency. While your windows are a common source of air leaks, they aren’t the only source of leaks in your home. Going through your home and sealing any leak points you see is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency in the winter.
Weatherstripping around your doors will eliminate a large portion of your home’s leaks. It would help to inspect the ductwork in your home for areas where leaks are likely or already occurring and caulk these areas.
We understand how important it is that your home is comfortable and efficient. Contact us today at Coastal Climate Experts at (321) 797-0422 or click here to find out how we can work with you to maintain your HVAC system and ask about the rest of our HVAC services.
