Winter is upon us and that means higher energy bills and for some unlucky people, a drafty living environment. We put together a list of the top 5 ways you can save energy this year and in-turn save money.
Fix Air leaks
We’ve all experienced it, whether its a drafty window or leaky doorway you would be surprised how much heat is lost due to air leaks. Finding these air leaks however, can be hard to find.
‘You can start to identify and remedy some problem areas on your own with the help of an infrared thermometer, like the Ryobi Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer. This handy gun allows you to safely measure surface temperatures and pinpoint spots where your home is experiencing air leaks or missing insulation. As energy efficiency expert David Johnson says, “Air leaks account for 25-30% of an average energy bill, and this is one of the most profound steps that you can make for the betterment of your home’s comfort and reducing the amount of your monthly bill.”’ – http://inhabitat.com/7-winter-home-improvement-tips-to-save-you-money-and-energy-in-the-cold-season/
Chimneys can also be a cause of heat loss.
• Seal holes or gaps around chimneys or furnace flues to prevent air leaks.
• Use metal flashing for larger gaps and high temperature caulk for smaller ones.
• Identify and seal all air leaks before adding additional insulation.
and don’t forget to Cap your chimney, check out our previous blog on how it can save you money and headache https://kproofing.com/5-reasons-to-cap-your-chimney/
Check Your Windows
‘Windows that are unsuited for a home’s local climate can be a big contributor to inefficiency. If you live in an area that gets especially cold in the winter, investing in windows with insulated glass that’s double-paned or even triple-paned has the potential to transform the comfort of your home and your energy bill.
There are three main types of windows that are available on the market today and they include single-pane, double-pane, and super-triple-pane windows. Single- and double- pane windows are common in older houses, but windows in newer homes are commonly treated with Low-emittance (low-E) coatings (this can include both super windows and double pane
windows). Low-E coatings are microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window to suppress radiative heat flow. The coating keeps radiant heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated, all while letting visible light pass — which means in the winter heat is reflected in, and in the summer heat is reflected out. Different types of Low-E coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain, and their application will depend on what region your home is located.’-http://inhabitat.com/7-winter-home-improvement-tips-to-save-you-money-and-energy-in-the-cold-season/
Lower your water heater temperature
‘Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home.
Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.’ –https://energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips
Adjust the thermostat
‘When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.’
–https://energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips
Maintain your heating systems
‘Schedule service for your heating system.
Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.
Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
Wood- and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically to ensure that your home is heated efficiently.’-https://energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips
There you have it, follow those 5 tips and you can save up to 30% on your next heating bill. If you like that list,
check out these other great tips to make sure your home is properly winterized this year: