Energy-efficient homes make better use of electricity. A major culprit for increased utility bills is poor energy efficiency. With a few upgrades, homeowners can reap the benefits of lower utility bills and greater comfort. Heating and cooling account for a major part of energy costs. Therefore, it makes sense to address this and other aspects that would make your home heating system work harder than necessary. In this article, we discuss how to save energy in winter while making your home feel more comfortable. This allows you to enjoy reduced home heating costs and a more environmentally-friendly home.
7 Energy-Saving Tips For Winter
Keep reading to explore some of those most effective ways to reduce your home heating costs without sacrificing your comfort.
1. Schedule A Heating System Tune-Up
Be sure to schedule a professional heater or tune-up each season. It is best to schedule an annual heating system tune-up in the fall, right before the cold settles in. This way, you can address any issues before they have the opportunity to escalate.
When tuning up your HVAC system, professionals perform a visual inspection, clean, repair, and replace common system components. Systems in need of maintenance perform differently during operation and use more electricity. They generally suffer from increased wear and tear which leads to premature breakdowns.
A neglected furnace or boiler goes hand in hand with higher utility bills. It will use more fuel to heat your home. Getting a tune-up is one of the best ways that you can increase your comfort levels while reducing your home heating costs. Be sure to contact a reputable HVAC company to handle all maintenance and repairs on your system. For those in southern Connecticut, call Wilcox Energy.
2. Add Insulation
Newer homes are often constructed with more energy-efficient features such as higher levels of insulation. Insufficient insulation allows heated air to escape from homes in the winter and cooled air to escape in the summer. This translates to increased overall heating and cooling costs. The reason for this is that heating and cooling systems need to work harder to compensate for the loss of air.
Owners of older homes would benefit from adding insulation as a cost-effective home improvement measure. Common areas to place additional insulation are walls in attics. However, insulation materials vary. They are usually made up of cellulose, fiberglass, foam, and slag wool. According to the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA), the recommended insulation should contain a high R-value. Adding more thermal resistant insulation can slash heating costs by 10-50%.
3. Add Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is a quick and easy way to increase energy efficiency. After purchasing weather stripping, place it anywhere that air can escape from your home. Be sure to check doors and windows. Additionally, professionals offer home energy audits using specialized equipment such as infrared cameras and blower doors. A professional assessment pinpoints the exact areas to add weather stripping and sites of possible air leakage. After locating these areas, use tape, caulk, reinforced vinyl, drywall, or foam sealants to keep out drafts. Only apply weather stripping to dry areas in preparation for the start of winter.
4. Install A Programmable Thermostat Or A Smart Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are invaluable in lowering winter heating costs. The devices maximize efficient heating as they can be programmed with temperatures without having to make manual adjustments to maintain heat in a home. This allows homes to lower temperature ranges when owners are away from home. It also raises the temperature right before they arrive back home. Lowering the temperature when household occupants are away can help decrease heating costs by up to 10% in the winter months.
5. LED Lights
Consider a switch from fluorescent lights to LED lights. LED lights are more energy-efficient. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights function 75% more efficiently than the traditional incandescent light bulbs that are typically used in homes. LED lights last longer than incandescent or fluorescent lights. They require replacement less often as well. Some LED lights offer internet connectivity allowing users to activate and manage them via tablet or smartphone. This makes them a smart choice for homes.
6. Energy Efficient Doors And Windows
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient doors and windows at replacement time. This upgrade can net some energy savings. Some doors and windows carry the ENERGY STAR identifier. This product identifier means products have been specially engineered to counter heat transfer to the outdoors. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the installation of energy-efficient doors and windows could slash national household energy usage by a rate of 12% annually.
7. Water Heating
Replace water heaters that are over 10 years old with newer energy-efficient models. Newer models offer a variety of options. This includes on-demand heaters that heat water when needed instead of constantly heating a tank full of water. These tankless systems are far more efficient and additionally, they take up less space as well.
Conclusion
By following the above steps, you will be able to significantly reduce your home heating costs this winter. Even if you just do a few of the above steps, it will still make a difference. Of all the steps, one of the best ways to increase energy efficiency in your home is by scheduling a heating system tune-up. This optimizes your system’s performance.
Wilcox Energy offers home heating solutions that will improve the comfort levels of your home. Furthermore, these solutions will reduce your energy consumption so that you don’t have to pay higher home heating costs. Let us tune-up your heater for the winter so that you can feel cozy and warm at a fraction of the cost. We also offer heating oil delivery and propane delivery in your area.
Call Wilcox Energy For Your HVAC NEEDS
Wilcox Energy offers exceptional HVAC service on the southern Connecticut shoreline. Our certified technicians are the best in the industry and are trained to provide exceptional HVAC installations, replacements, repairs, and tune-ups. All of our technicians have the experience and knowledge to provide quality services.
Wilcox Energy guarantees heating and cooling costs that are the most competitive in the area. We offer maintenance services to improve home comfort as well as energy efficiency to reduce home cooling bills. If you need any type of HVAC replacement or repair, we’ll give you our professional opinion as to the option best for your needs and budget. All work comes with a satisfaction guarantee. Give Wilcox Energy a call and schedule your service appointment today. We always provide in-home estimates for free.
Wilcox Energy also offers top-notch service and competitive prices for propane and heating oil deliveries. We offer a broad range of financing options and delivery plans, which allow you to customize your fuel deliveries to meet your specific needs. Contact Wilcox Energy for all of your residential heating needs.
For more information about heating and cooling systems, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of heater and air conditioner repairs, maintenance services, and installations.