Increase Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Posted October 31, 2023 by Elle Faris

As the weather gets cooler, these following actions will increase the energy efficiency and comfortability of your home while remaining budget friendly!

snow leopard sitting in a window with orange foliage in trees behind it

To begin, the Department of Energy recommends completing their energy assessment to determine where you can save the most energy and money.

If you are looking to increase the energy efficiency of your home, now is the time!

These tips are cost effective ways to insulate your home, save you money, and prevent energy loss.

Water Heating Costs

  • Use less hot water
  • Set water heater temperature to 120°F to avoid scalding water
  • Insulate water heater and pipes

Holiday Lighting Costszebra and giraffe lanterns light up with pink lights behind

  • Convert to LED decorative holiday lights
    • LEDs use >75% less energy than iridescent lighting
    • Produce less heat and are more resistant to breakage
  • Purchase Energy Star certified holiday lights

Air Leaks

  • Detect air leaks
  • Seal leaks around pipes, chimneys, recessed lights, or unfinished spaces
  • Seal leaks around doors and windows by adding caulk or weatherstripping

Temperature Regulation

  • Set the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature
  • Turn thermostat back 10% when asleep or out of the house
  • Use a programmable thermostat or set moderate temperature if you have a heat pump

Heat System Maintenance

  • Replace furnace and heat pump filters as needed
  • Regularly clean flue-vent of wood burning heaters
  • Routinely schedule home heating system service

Fireplace

  • Keep damper closed unless a fire is burning
    • Prevents warm air from escaping your home
  • When in use, open the damper and set thermostat to 50-55°F
  • Ensure the flue damper seal is installed snugly
  • Add caulk around the fireplace hearth

Sun Powerwhite faced gibbon sitting in a tree branch with yellow and orange foliage behind

  • Allow sunlight to naturally heat the home by opening curtains
  • Close curtains at night to reduce the chill from windows
  • Plant deciduous trees on the south facing side of the home
    • Allows sunlight during winter and shade during summer

Drafty Windows

  • Apply a clear plastic sheet to the inside of window frames
    • A tight seal reduces cold air infiltration in the winter
  • Install insulating drapes or shades

 

Explore more involved methods:

Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips

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