Did you know that using a space heater is one of the largest energy expenses in the average American home, accounting for about 47% of monthly energy bills? That’s a staggering statistic.

In this economy, most people are looking for ways to cut down on their energy bills, but don’t know how. Here are some money-saving tips to help you fight high energy costs this winter:

• End the draft. Drafty doors and windows can account for about 20% of your energy bill! If you can see light under your door, you should apply weather stripping to help seal the gaps to stop heat from escaping. Check your windows and reapply caulking if you feel cold air coming in around the frame.
• Insulate your home. If your home uses less than 12 inches of insulation, adding some to your attic can help make your home more energy-efficient.
• Don't block vents. Make sure you don’t have furniture or drapes covering your vents. This can cause your system to work harder than it needs to. You should also check and clean vents that may have dust and debris built up. Doing this will help keep your system running smoothly.
• Regular tune-ups. Have your system checked and tuned up semi-annually to ensure that it’s running to the best of its ability, stays within warranty, and lasts longer.
• Circulate air. Make sure your overhead fans are running counter-clockwise to help the air circulate through your home properly. Warm air rises and stays close to the roof, so running a ceiling fan helps push the air up toward your ceilings and then back down along your walls.
• Sunshine! If the sun is shining on the south side of your house, open the windows that face that direction during the day. This will allow the sun’s natural warmth to be absorbed into your home. Make sure you close the windows at the end of the day to help hold in that warmth and reduce chill.
• Adjust the thermostat. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends keeping your thermostat at 68°F during the day and even lower while you sleep. Whether you have a manual or programmable thermostat, if you keep your temperature adjusted correctly, it could save you approximately 10% a year on energy. A smart thermostat could also help save additional energy, as it can be customized to adjust automatically.

We're here to help you stay safe and warm through the holiday season and beyond. If your heating system needs a tune-up, your ducts needs to be cleaned, or if you'd like to learn about smart thermostats, contact one of our professionals here.

Sources:

https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-heating

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