Winter Energy Saving Tips

Have you ever walked into your home after being gone all day and found it freezing? You head to your thermometer, ready to boost the temperature and warm your home. But then you stop. How high should you turn it? Can you deal with it a little chillier than normal to avoid the high utility bill you’ll be facing in a month?

The winter months here in Colorado are a constant battle between warmth and cost. How much are you willing to spend to be as warm as you desire?

There are ways for you to increase your warmth while not breaking the bank either. Even if you perform some of these tasks, they can be improved on every year. Your house is constantly changing. By making subtle changes, you can notice the difference.

Use Your Window Coverings

For most of us, we select window coverings for decor. But if you select the right window coverings, they can do a lot more. Open up your blinds and curtains on your south facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to naturally heat your space. Be sure to close them up as the sun goes down to keep the chill from seeping in.

Cover Drafty Windows

Your best course of action is to replace old windows with new technology. But if that isn’t an option, cover them instead. Use a heavy-duty plastic sheet or film and attach it to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Be sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to reduce infiltration. You should also use weather stripping and caulk to seal up drafty spaces whenever possible.

Get A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats have been around for many years. If you shop today, you’ll find smart thermostats too. All are designed to provide you with maximum comfort while providing as much energy savings as possible. When you are asleep or away from home, turn back the temperature 10 to 15 degrees, and for an eight hour period, you can save as much as 10 percent on your heating bills.

Reduce Heat Loss From Fireplace

Is the damper on your fireplace open? If it is, it allows warm air to fly right up the chimney. Keep the damper closed unless a fire is burning. If you never use it, consider plugging and sealing the flue. If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat exchanger to blow warmed air back into the room. Make sure you caulk around the fireplace hearth.

Maintain Your Heating System

When was the last time a professional technician service your heating equipment? If it’s been more than a year, it could be costing you money. Furnaces need new air filters at a minimum at the beginning of the new season. Depending on your lifestyle, once per month can offer benefits. A technician can also ensure all of your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible, and make corrections before things break.

How well is your home saving energy in these darker, colder days of winter?