Winter can be an energy-intensive time of year. It is understandable to want to reduce your energy consumption as the temperature drops. Thankfully, numerous energy-saving strategies are simple and easy to do. Here are a few pointers on how to keep the heat inside this winter.
1. Programmable Thermostats
Do not allow the idea of fiddling with your home’s wiring frighten you away from installing a programmable thermostat. These thermostats may be bought for less than fifty dollars and directions are included for installation. Even if you hire an electrician to set it up, it’s a fast job and shouldn’t cost too much.
Programmable thermostats help preserve energy. You will be able to adjust it to come on and go off at regular times, avoiding the up-and-down thermostat “wars” that occur in some homes. Programmable thermostats likewise cover you just in case you forget to lower the heat when you depart home or go to sleep.
2. Check for Leaks
Windows and doors are the 1st places to search leaking air. Utilize caulk or weather stripping to seal any cracks. Then check your attic and make certain there are no leaks between the eaves and wall. Lastly, search between your home’s siding and the brick, cinderblock, or similar material at the beginning of the foundation. Seal these leaks with caulk as well.
3. Curtains and Shades
What sorts of window coverings you have and when you open and shut them might make a huge difference in your energy consumption. Pick out curtains and shades that have some insulating properties, and that fit the window’s size snugly. Open shades and curtains when there’s wintertime sun striking the window, then close them at night to keep cold air from leaking in.
4. Insulation
Check your attic in particular to make sure it is thoroughly insulated. Warmth rises, so attic insulation is especially important.
5. Insulate Your Water Pipes and hot-water heater
Both your hot-water heater and your water pipes consume a lot of energy to keep that warm water coming in the wintertime. Utilize bubble wrap, foam or a commercial “sleeve” for your hot-water heater to conserve its heat. Pipes may be insulated with easy-to-install, cheap foam tubes. Insulating your pipes keeps the water in them warmer longer, and also protects against freezing.
6. Storm Windows
If caulk and weather stripping are not enough, look into storm windows. These temporary sheets of glass or plastic may be taken out when wintertime is concluded.
7. Alternative Heat Sources
Space heaters, pellet stoves and fireplace inserts may help augment your electric heating system. If you have an open fireplace, a wood-burning insert can help warm your house (open fireplaces actually lead to heat loss throughout your house, therefore an insert is crucial). Space heaters that run on kerosene or electrical energy are energy-efficient alternatives. Pellet stoves make the best of recyclable paper (from which the pellets are made).
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