In the dead of winter, your thermostat is undoubtedly set at a brisk twenty degrees Fahrenheit. Yet still you are sweltering, an unfortunate state of affairs that can only be rectified by turning up the heat!
This weekend, I underwent a comprehensive audit of my home’s energy consumption. In doing so, I was astonished at how much electricity I use during the course of a day; even more astonishing was how little money I’m spending on it all! After calculating all expenses associated with running appliances and heating/cooling systems as well as transportation costs…all totaled up came to just over $40 per day, less than half what is spent when leaving off lights throughout the house!
Have you ever taken time to scrutinize the settings on your thermostat? If not, it might be worth giving it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised by just how little heat you’re actually appreciating during those cold winter months!
1. Enable energy-saving modes in your furnace and air conditioner
Energy-saving modes can help you save more than half of the energy that comes out of your heat pump, furnace or air conditioner when running in ‘high’ and ‘low’ settings.
The device may be equipped with a timer function that allows you to automatically switch over to energy saving mode at certain times during the day. If no such option is available, simply opting for this method could result in saving as much as 30% on your dale!
2. Check for air leaks
Holes in your walls, doors and windows can lead to air leaks; these perforations allow cold air from outside to infiltrate. If detected early enough, this can be remedied easily with caulking or foam tape.
While there are some holes (relative to what you’ve got) that cannot be patched up, it is essential that all gaps be sealed. At the very minimum, caulk should be applied around the perimeter of any openings to provide additional insulation and even better if you could find out how much they are costing you!
3. Invest in insulation
If you have older homes with outdated insulation, it may be time for an upgrade. Insulation is a key component in any successful HVAC system. It ensures that your house maintains its temperature even during the coldest weather and cuts down on unnecessary energy usage!
If you’re looking to invest in insulation, don’t forget to consider additional features like sealant or foam board. While these will provide added protection against heat loss, they may also add some additional weight and cost – so be sure to consider all options before making any decisions!
4. Change your lighting to save energy
If you’ve been instructed by your electrician to alter an existing light fixture, consider utilizing timers or motion sensors. These technologies automatically turn lights on and off based upon when they’re needed. Therefore making it more convenient for families to utilize them at night!
However, if your electrical contractor has planned a lighting arrangement that does not already exist in your home, consider switching out incandescent bulbs with less-influential ones. Such as LED lights that boast low energy consumption yet provide illumination in all hues, perfect for illuminating any room during the day while also providing excellent nighttime ambience.
5. Upgrade old appliances to utilize less heat
Upgrading your home’s heating system with efficient appliances can save you up to 40% on your utility bills!
If you are replacing an old appliance, consider one that consumes less energy. Select a new model that has higher efficiency values compared to the previous one, it may even help reduce your total energy consumption while providing an added layer of comfort.
At present, many models exist boasting impressive power efficiency ratings; some as high as 90%. Additionally, if a unit is equipped with smart features such as pre-heat and longer timer functions, all without compromising on performance, then that could prove especially advantageous when selecting next-generation options within one’s budget.
6. Replace old windows with new ones that are better insulating and more energy efficient
As the weather warms up and temperatures rise, homeowners typically don’t consider replacing their windows with energy-efficient models. But it’s worth considering, there are many benefits to doing so not only could this improve your home’s thermal efficiency and even save money on heating expenses!
These enhanced models can offer consumers significant energy savings, as well as provide greater insulating power than standard units. The added benefit of less air leakage also offers protection against drafts that can potentially cause you discomfort during chilly evenings.
For example, a replacement window in Chicago can yield an astounding 9% reduction in heating costs, while an upgrade at another location could translate into a whopping 11% decrease in expenses.
Bottom Line
To conclude our exploration of the artful ways to cut down on your heating expenses, heed these five pieces of sage advice.
1. Ensure that you employ an energy-efficient device compatible with the heating system in your home. Save big bucks by investing in a programmable thermostat like Honeywell or Nest, they’re sure to help save money along with increasing comfort for years to come!
2. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day by simply adjusting your room’s thermostat. If your home is too chilly at nightfall, don’t fret! Simply open up a window and allow some sunlight in to create a cozy ambience. Alternatively, if it’s too hot during the daytime then dial back some of the furnace’s intensity to bring things back under control!
