Cold fronts are slowly moving in to the area which means many residents will begin using heat and other methods to stay warm. Thankfully, the CSRA doesn’t get too cold but there are still times you may need to crank up the fireplace. We have a few tips on saving energy costs during the winter season.
Use heat from the sun.
Keep your curtains open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and help heat it naturally. Close the curtains at night to trap warmth inside.
Adjust your thermostat.
When you are home, have the temperature set as low as possible while staying comfortable. Try setting it 10-15 degrees lower at night or while you are out of the home to save close to 10% each year on utility bills. Smart thermostats make it easy to control the temperature and keep it set automatically.
Discover and seal any leaks.
If you have a chimney, look for any gaps and make sure they are closed. Detect and seal any leaks in pipes as well. If you have leaky windows or doors, add caulking or weatherstripping to close the gaps and keep warm air inside.
Maintain your HVAC system.
Schedule a routine service for the heater to ensure all parts are operating correctly. You will also need to replace the filter monthly or as needed.
Conserve water heating costs.
Keep the temperature of your water heater on warm, or 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help save energy and avoid scalding by water that is too hot.
Keep costs low with holiday lights.
Using LED lights will keep utility bills lower while still having a beautifully decorated home.
Maximize heat from the fireplace.
If your home has a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless a fire is going. If the damper is left open, warm air will escape through the chimney. If you don’t use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney to keep warm air in the home.
Source: Beazley, Realtors
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