By Monica DeVore
We’re all looking for ways to save, especially now that the holidays have arrived with cold weather in tow. Access these HOME ENERGY SAVINGS by making some easy adjustments in your home or apartment now. Not only will you reduce your energy consumption and costs, but maintain comfortable temperatures in your home this winter. Start now and continue to save long into the future!
1. Take advantage of Mother Nature. During winter days, let the sun pour free heat in those south-facing windows. At night, close your window coverings to trap all that heat inside.
2. Bundle up with warm accessories. This is one of the easiest ways to save on your heating bill. Don’t turn up the heat! Grab a warm winter sweater and toasty woolen socks instead. For added comfort, keep a few cozy throw blankets nearby on your couch.
3. Be patient with yourself by easing yourself into winter. Try lowering your thermostat a degree every week or so until your body has acclimated to the cooler temperatures. Spring will be here before you know it!
4. Take advantage of your ceiling fans. Set to run clockwise to trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer during these cooler months. Turn on low setting so they gently push warm air back down.
5. Use exhaust fans only when necessary. Exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen pull the hot air that rises to the ceiling out of your home. Use them sparingly, and always shut them off as soon as you are done with them.
6. Lower temperatures for sleep. Consider investing in flannel sheets and a warm comforter for your bed.
7. Only heat rooms you use. If you have large storage area or guest rooms you never use, close and seal off the vents to be more energy efficient. This will also direct more air flow to the rooms you use regularly.
8. Adjust temperature if going on vacation. Depending on the insulation of your pipes under your home and the exterior temps, set the thermostat between 50-55 degrees when you leave for vacation. No lower, or you run the risk of damage to pipes and appliances.
9. Invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save money while using energy more efficiently. Like waking up or coming home to a cozy house in the winter? Without busting your budget, these can automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on settings you select. If you heat with gas, these will typically save you even more. Let Energy Star help you determine Which Thermostat is Best for You .
10. Keeping your furnace and vents maintained. Make sure the intake and all vents are not blocked by furniture or other items. This includes dust and dirt, so mark your calendar to change those filters once a month!
11. Get a humidifier to add some moisture to the air. The air inside your home can become very dry in the winter. Moist air feels warmer and holds heat better. (Think of humidity in the summer.) A nice collection of house plants can also increase the humidity in your home!
12. Invest in insulation. Don’t lose dollars each year due to escaping heat and cold. Pick up some inexpensive insulation from your local home improvement store. Cover all those areas where heat is escaping and causing drafts in your home. Start with weather stripping for your windows and doors. This remedy is immediately noticeable, inexpensive and really easy to apply.
Take charge of your winter cold weather bills! For more information check out this Energy Saver Guide 2017 – Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home from energy.gov. Try some or all of these tips and see immediate and long term savings in your utility costs.
Finally, go one step further and get an energy evaluation of your home through Tennessee Valley Authority’s Energy Right Solutions – Your Home’s Energy Evaluation.
Wishing you the warmest and coziest of winters!
If you’re planning on selling your home and/or in the market for a new one, give us a call!
We’re here to assist with every aspect of the process.
Monica 865-661-7790 or Jackie 865-300-6296.
