The frigid winter temperatures are here and won’t be going away any time soon. Most homeowners find that their home’s energy efficiency in the winter is lacking, especially as they scramble to keep their living spaces warm, comfortable, and safe. That’s why energy conservation is most important in the winter.
Below, we’ll be discussing the benefits of energy conservation, the risk of not conserving, and eight things you can do to boost your home’s efficiency this winter.
Benefits of Energy Conservation
Most people know that conserving energy leads to cost savings, which is one of the most significant upsides of making your home more efficient. Americans spend up to about 30% of all utility costs on home heating, making keeping your house warm in the winter an expensive endeavor. Making your home more efficient can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Aside from savings, higher efficiency means a more comfortable living space for you and your family, less strain on your heating equipment, and fewer maintenance calls and emergency no-heat calls throughout the winter.
Risks of Not Conserving
Unfortunately, homeowners who neglect to bolster their homes’ efficiency will often end up paying far more to heat their houses. They’re more likely to experience cold and uncomfortable drafts, are more likely to run into issues with their heating equipment, and will tend to pay more for boiler or HVAC repairs in the long run. Most also run the risk of reducing the lifespan of their heating equipment.
8 Ways to Conserve Energy in the Winter
Luckily, there are numerous things you can do to conserve energy this winter. The below tips will help make your home more comfortable and more affordable to heat.
1. Lower Your Thermostat
Every degree you lower your thermostat saves quite a bit of money. Wearing socks and warm clothing can help you feel warm in a cooler home without demanding more from your heating system.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
The gaps around windows and doors often leak air over time. Sealing them with spray insulation or insulative caulk can help prevent drafts that make your house uncomfortably cool.
3. Perform an Energy Audit
Schedule an energy audit to check for leaks in your HVAC ducts that can seep warm air into your attic or behind walls.
4. Insulate Your Attic
Much of a home’s heat is lost through the attic, especially if it is uninsulated. Adding insulation batts or spray-in insulation can help prevent heat loss.
5. Get a Smart Thermostat
Install a smart thermostat and set it so that your house is cooler when everyone is at work to save while you aren’t home.
6. Upgrade Your Windows
Old windows inevitably lose their insulative properties, so upgrading will improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you have single-pane windows, upgrading to a double-pane can save you even more.
7. Use Your HVAC Zones
An HVAC zoning system (also referred to as “zoned HVAC”) is a heating and cooling system that uses dampers in the ductwork to regulate and redirect air to specific areas of the home. This allows for the creation of customized temperature zones throughout the home for increased comfort and efficiency. Use your HVAC zones to ensure that you only heat parts of the house that you’ll be using. Keeping your bedrooms cool during the day and living space cooler at night can offer significant savings.
8. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Finally, schedule preventative maintenance to keep your heating equipment running smoothly and efficiently.Call in our friendly professionals for a full-service tune-up to keep your home at maximum efficiency.
