Winter doesn’t technically arrive until December 21. However, the bitter cold, rain, snow, and sleet will arrive well ahead of schedule. Take advantage of these 10 tips now to help reduce your energy bill over the next several months.
1. Reverse Ceiling Fans
As we are all aware, heat rises. Take advantage of your knowledge and move the switch on your ceiling fan so that the blades turn clockwise. This will circulate the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down through the bottom of the room. Cost savings? About 10% of your normal heating costs.
2. Avoid Drafts
According to the US Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30% of your energy use. Lay a rolled up towel at the bottom of each door for a quick and easy fix. Even better, take advantage of caulking and weatherstripping and apply around windows, corners, chimneys, or where pipes or wires exit the house.
3. Use an Energy Monitor
These monitors measure your home’s energy use in real time and project how much your monthly bill will be based on your current usage. Some energy monitor manufacturers claim that you will save 10 – 20% on your electric bill by implementing their device. Take a look here for more information to help you pick the best monitor for you.
4. Buy a Programmable Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of our monthly bills, and it doesn’t make sense to pay for what you aren’t using when you aren’t home. We try to remember and turn the heat down before we leave the house in the morning, but I’d say we remember about half the time. With a programmable thermostat, this is no longer a problem.
5. Bundle Up
Studies show that for every degree that you lower your thermostat, you will save 1 – 3% on your heating bill. Program your thermostat a few degrees cooler this winter and put on your sweater and long underwear.
6. Install Storm Doors and Windows
Increase energy efficiency by 45% by simply installing storm doors and windows. These windows will seal drafts and reduce airflow between your house and the great outdoors.
7. Turn Down Your Water Heater
Common advice is to set your water heater to 140 degrees F. However, by reducing your water heater temperature to 120 degrees F, you will save 5 – 10% of your water heating costs. You probably won’t even notice the difference. Most homes don’t need that level and end up paying for sitting water as it cools. Also consider tossing a hot water blanket around your heater.
Even better, go tankless. Upfront costs are higher, but for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, a tankless water heater is 24 – 34% more energy efficient than a standard heater. The more hot water your home consumes, the greater the savings.
8. Insulate hot water pipes
Insulating hot water pipes will reduce heat loss and raise water temperature by 2 – 4%. Hot water will also reach the faucet quicker which will reduce your water consumption significantly over time. On gas water heaters, keep insulation at least 6 inches from the flue, and use at least 1-inch thick fiberglass pipe-wrap without a facing. Use wire or aluminum foil tape to secure the insulation to the pipe.
9. Seal your heating and cooling ducts
Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20%. Start by sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer and cool in the winter.
10. Take advantage of tax credits
Don’t forget to take advantage of the many tax credits currently available for energy efficiency improvements. For 2009 and 2010, take advantage of credits available for windows and doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, Water Heaters, and Biomass stoves. There are tax credits available through 2016 for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Panels, Solar Water Heaters, Small Wind Energy Systems, and Fuel Cells.
What other tips will save money during the upcoming winter?
