Winter is usually a time when energy consumption begins to skyrocket. Thanks to the colder temperatures that necessitate constant heating, our HVAC units work overtime this time of year to keep us safe and comfortable.
Nevertheless, there are ways homeowners can save energy during the cold season. Our team here at Five Star Home Services has compiled some tips to help homeowners in the Greater Dayton, Greater Columbus, and Greater Cincinnati areas save more this winter. Our simple tips to save energy during the winter include the following:
Tips to Save Money This Winter
1. Turn Your Thermostat Down: Minor changes in your home’s temperature can result in significant savings on your home heating costs. In short, by turning down your thermostat a single degree, you can save up to 10% on your energy usage.
2. Insulating Your Home: Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy during the wintertime. Good insulation prevents the warm air inside the home from escaping while also keeping the cold air from entering your home. Also, make sure your attics, walls, and basements are adequately insulated. Weatherstrip your doors and windows to seal any air leaks.
3. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Investing in some energy-efficient appliances, which use less electricity and can significantly lower your overall energy costs is another good idea. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. These appliances meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Invest in a Smart Thermostat: Programmable thermostats can adjust the heat on a schedule, lowering the amount of energy used when you’re not at home or asleep. Smart thermostats, however, are a step up from the programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats and wifi thermostats offer energy savings in addition to remote control via your smartphone.
5. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting: During the daylight hours, we recommend opening your curtains to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. When dusk approaches, you can then close them to keep the heat inside.
6. Regular Maintenance of Heating Equipment: Regular maintenance of your home’s HVAC system will protect it from breaking down while ensuring it operates at peak efficiency. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Maintenance should be performed every year on HVAC equipment for a variety of reasons, among them being energy efficiency. If you haven’t had maintenance performed yet this winter, we recommend you call Five Star Home Services today! Check out our Whole Home Protect Plans.
Schedule Services With Five Star Today!
We at Five Star Home Services have been proudly serving area homeowners for more than 50 years, offering top-notch home services that include plumbing, HVAC and electrical. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is guaranteed, and you can truly experience the difference when choosing us for all your home service needs. In short, winter doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. We recommend following these tips to save energy and keep your home warm and cozy all season long.