10 Tips for Saving Energy During Cold Temperatures

If your energy bill seems to skyrocket during the cold winter months, you are not alone. Thanks to higher fuel costs and temperatures that have reached record lows, this is a common problem that many people are dealing with.

Unfortunately, Punxsutawney Phil seems to believe that winter is far from over, meaning that your energy bills won’t be decreasing on its own anytime soon. Fortunately, there are ways you can save energy (and money), even when temperatures are at their lowest. Here are ten tips to help you get started.

Turn the temperature down when you leave the house.

Lowering your temperature by 7 °-10 ° when you leave the house can reduce your energy bill by as much as ten percent. When you return home, turn it back up. If this seems a bit drastic, start by lowering the temperature 3 °-4 °. If you do not already have one, you may want to invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat eliminates your need to remember to lower the temp and can help you come home to a warmer home.

Clean your HVAC filters.

Just as you do during the summer, you should clean or replace your HVAC filters at least once a month during the winter. Making sure your HVAC system is properly maintained can help you decrease your energy use.

Insulate your home.

Make sure your home is well insulated, especially around doors and windows. This is an easy and effective way to keep cold air from coming in and warm air from seeping out. This can be done by adding insulation or sealing doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. If you are a fan of DIY projects, this may be something you want to do yourself. If not, you can always hire someone to do it for you.  Check out our suggested contractors in the local area that we recommend.

Take advantage of throw rugs.

Covering your hardwood or tile floors with a rug helps insulate the floor and keep your feet warm. As a bonus, they will also reduce noise.

Pay attention to your blinds and curtains.

Opening your blinds and curtains during the day will allow the sun to come in and provide some warmth. On the other hand, closing them at night can help keep cold air out. If your windows are exceptionally large, opt for heavy draperies to keep cold air out.

Lower your water heater temperature.

Set your water heater at 120 degrees or about halfway between low and medium. This can significantly reduce your energy consumption.

Close your garage door.

If you are in the habit of leaving your garage door open until it is time to go to bed, it is time to break this habit. Instead, keep your garage door closed as tightly as possible to retain warm air inside and act as a buffer against the cold outdoor air.

Use your ceiling fans.

When your fan blades turn clockwise, they help trap heat inside your rooms. Turn your fans on a low setting and you’ll notice the warm air being pushed back down.

Don’t heat unnecessary rooms.

If there are rooms in your home that you rarely use, such as guestrooms or storage closets, there is no reason to heat them. Seal off the vents in the room. This will direct the flow of warm air to the rooms you use most.

Turn off your exhaust fans.

Exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen pull hot air up to the ceiling, where it provides no benefits for you. Use your exhaust fans only when you have to and be sure to turn them off as soon as you’re done with them.

Need help to determine where you can save energy in your home? Industry studies show the average American home consumes more than 1½ times the amount of energy than is necessary, causing needless financial strain on homeowners and an undue burden on our environment.  Contact Domicile Consulting for an Energy Audit.  We also check your indoor air quality which helps protect you from dangers like radon.  Contact us today to get started.