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Winter is a time of year when you want to be warm and cozy. But it’s also a time of year when energy bills can skyrocket. Focusing on energy efficiency can help you keep both your home temperature and your energy bills at bay while also reducing your carbon footprint.
In this article, we’ll discuss why energy efficiency matters during the winter months and walk you through how to make your home more energy efficient without breaking the bank.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency means using less energy to get the same job done, while cutting energy bills and reducing pollution in the process.
Why Does Energy Efficiency Matter During Winter?
During winter months, heating costs are higher because it requires more energy to keep a house at a specific temperature when there are colder temperatures outside. With Americans slated to spend an average of $746 on natural gas this winter, there’s never been a better time to focus on energy efficiency.
Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
In winter, there are several ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency without breaking the bank.
1. Do A Heating Systems Checkup
Be sure that all vents and registers are clear of any obstructions. Checking that all plugs, vents and appliances are in safe, working order will help improve efficiency and prevent dangers.
Hire an HVAC professional annually to tune up your HVAC system, tighten electrical connections and check controls to ensure they are working properly and safely.
2. Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs & Appliances
It’s important that you replace any old light bulbs or appliances in your home with newer ones. Using LED lights in place of traditional bulbs can save homeowners about $225 in energy costs each year. You can also install timers to ensure you’re only using electricity when needed.
Whether you love spending time in the kitchen or you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, you can make your kitchen a greener space with an energy-efficient appliances.
3. Use Effective Insulation
Install insulation in and around windows, walls and doors. Insulate your water heater with a blanket or cover. Check the insulation of your attic, basement, walls and crawlspace for energy leaks.
Properly insulating your home can decrease heat flow from warmer spaces to colder ones, helping to maintain your home’s temperature.
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4. Improve Flooring & Windows
Add rugs and carpets to hardwood floors and ceramic tiles. This will help to prevent drafts and make the room feel cozier.
Install double-paned windows to prevent cold air from leaking into your rooms. Open your blinds and curtains during the day to let in light, naturally heating up the space.
5. Energy Efficient Space Heater
A space heater is a great option for heating up a single, chilly room for a short amount of time, which makes it perfect for those looking to save money and energy.
Some space heaters are designed specifically for energy efficiency. They use infrared technology to heat your rooms, sensing spots in your rooms that need heat and distributing it accordingly—heating objects in your room instead of filling the space with heat.
Wrapping Up
Every winter, be sure to take action and make your home more energy efficient, but you don’t have to do it alone. You can hire a professional to help you with your energy efficiency projects, just be sure to do your homework.
Once you have everything in place, you can reduce the amount of money you spend on heating costs this winter without sacrificing comfort or convenience. You’ll be on your way to a more energy efficient home in no time.
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