Electricity and energy costs can hike up during winter. However, there are some ways you can save money and energy. As a homeowner, these ways are free, while some would require a bit of a cost. Here are some tips to save money on winter energy costs.
Do an Energy Audit
An energy audit helps identify problems that increase energy costs on your property. You can either do a self-assessment or hire a professional one to do it for you.
An energy audit can also enumerate the recommendations that you need to make to lower energy costs. You can either accept and make the recommendations or ignore them.
Let in the Natural Heat
Sunlight is a natural source of heat. So, during the day, open the curtains to let natural sunlight warm your home. Often, sunlight from the south area brings in more heat than any other part of your home. At night time, draw your curtains to keep out a draft.
Resolve Drafty Windows
Sometimes, windows have “drafts.” To solve this problem, cover your home’s window frames with a plastic sheet. Alternatively, you can install insulation drapes or weatherstripping materials to prevent drafts.
You may also want to look for window treatments. These treatments can improve your energy consumption, maximizing the benefits of energy-efficient appliances.
Adjust the Thermostat Accordingly
The thermostat controls the heating and cooling system of your home. You can manually adjust or program the thermostat to adjust the temperature accordingly. Set up the thermostat at the lowest possible temperature without affecting comfort when at home and awake.
Adjust the thermostat to 10 to 15 degrees when you’re away or asleep. This would save you 10% on your electricity costs. If you’re using a heat pump, use a moderate setting. These saving tips are possible with an automatic thermostat.
Seal Leaks on Your Rental Houses
Your rental houses can be full of leaks such as gaps in the chimney, plumbing penetrations, unfinished spaces on closets or cupboards, and a lot more. Generally, your house is leaking “warm air” out if you have higher electricity costs than the expected costs.
There are a lot of ways to solve these leaks. One, you should seal gaps, either new or old homes. Weatherstrip your home by installing door bottom seals or caulking.
Maintain Your Heating Systems
The heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system is essential all year round, making sure it’s working excellently. Perform preventive maintenance regularly at times your HVAC is working. Don’t wait for the system to fail before scheduling a maintenance check-up.
Make a habit of replacing the air filters on your home’s HVAC regularly. You can do it monthly or as the need arises. It’s also important to know how furnaces and heaters work, so when this heating system fails, you know what to do.
You don’t have to have extensive knowledge. Basic information is enough to prevent further damage to your heating system. At least, you would know when to call an expert to help.
Prevent Heat Loss from the Fireplace
Most fireplaces have a damper. Use it properly. Close the damper when no fire is burning. Where there’s a fire burning, open the dampers. Alternatively, slightly open the window in the room where the fireplace is. Then, adjust the thermostat to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, close the chimney flue.
Another way of preventing heat loss is to install glass doors and an exchange system. This system would blow warm air back. You may want to replace the fireplace grates with a C-shaped tube. These tubes can circulate the air in the room, keep cool air out, and warm air in.
Lastly, check the chimney and caulk the hearth. Gaps in these parts can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving happen during the winter season. Often, this is the time for decorating the house. If you’re decorating, use LED light strings. These lights will significantly lower your electricity consumption during the winter holidays.
Aside from decorative lights, use energy-efficient appliances all year round. These appliances will allow you to save more than usual household electricity consumption.
Maintain Home Insurance
Richmond Home Insurance can help you a lot in terms of reimbursement for HVAC repairs, unexpected mishaps and anything else you might encounter as a homeowner. Reach out to us for more information.
About Blue Sky Insurance Agency
For over 20 years, family owned Blue Sky Insurance Agency has proudly specialized in insurance and tax services for Virginia residents. Our philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can insure it.” We strive to provide value to our clients by establishing and building relationships and focusing on more than just rates. We are dedicated to providing holistic and strategically tailored solutions to protect all of your assets, and to provide peace of mind wherever life takes you. To get in touch with us, fill out a complimentary quote form, or call us at one of our two locations:
North Chesterfield
Phone: (804) 745-4044
PO Box 35674
North Chesterfield, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Richmond
Phone: (804) 404-2030
9932 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm