7 Tips To Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient This Winter
It happened! The first snow of the year has officially fallen in Colorado Springs. With the lows in this week's forecast dropping well below freezing, it's time to make sure your home in Colorado Springs is well-insulated and ready to withstand the cold temperatures this winter will bring - without racking up high electric bills.
7 Tips To Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
If you haven't already, here are a few tricks you can try to make your home more energy-efficient this winter.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Most homes are built with the minimum required amount of insulation, but this may not be enough to prevent much-needed heat from escaping into the outside air. Adding insulation in your attic is especially important, as most attics are prime spots for heat loss in the winter.
2. Install A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule at what times of day your home is heated to different temperatures, enabling you to drop the temperature by a few degrees at night or while you're gone during the day and still waking up / coming home to a comfortable house. Why pay for heat when you aren't there (or awake) to enjoy it?
3. Winterize Your Windows
Heat is notorious for transferring through windowpanes. Older homes typically have single-pane windows, but these provide very little protection against the cold. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows may drastically reduce your winter energy bill.
4. Seal Cracks Around Window And Door Frames
When is the last time you checked to make sure your windows and doors were properly sealed? One way to check for drafts is to hold a lit candle at various points near the window and door frames; if there is a draft, the passing air currents will cause the flame to flicker. Seal these drafts with caulk and/or weatherstripping.
5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Our ceiling fans serve two primary purposes. In the summer, they work to pull the warm air up towards the ceiling, creating a cooling effect similar to a wind tunnel. In the winter, they push the warm air that has pooled up near the ceiling back down to our living areas. Make sure your fans are rotating clockwise in the winter in order to achieve this effect!
6. Replace Your Furnace Filter Every 2 Months
Your furnace works by recirculating the air in your home to keep it warm, pulling it through a filter in the process. If this filter becomes dirty or clogged, your system will have to work harder to get the air through it - resulting in higher energy bills for you. Replace the filter every two months or so to keep your furnace operating at maximum efficiency.
7. Insulate Your Water Heater
Most of us don't think about the cost required to heat our water, but it is an important factor nevertheless. Most experts recommend turning the setting down on your water heater to 120°. This will save you money on your heating bills, and the water will still be plenty warm enough for all your household purposes. You can also buy a special blanket designed to help insulate your water heater, reducing the costs required to keep the water hot.
Happy Winterizing!
I hope that by following these suggestions, you are able to significantly lower your winter heating costs! What other winterizing suggestions do you have for The MacGuire Team? If we missed anything, leave us a comment below and let us know!
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
7 Tips To Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
If you haven't already, here are a few tricks you can try to make your home more energy-efficient this winter.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Most homes are built with the minimum required amount of insulation, but this may not be enough to prevent much-needed heat from escaping into the outside air. Adding insulation in your attic is especially important, as most attics are prime spots for heat loss in the winter.
2. Install A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule at what times of day your home is heated to different temperatures, enabling you to drop the temperature by a few degrees at night or while you're gone during the day and still waking up / coming home to a comfortable house. Why pay for heat when you aren't there (or awake) to enjoy it?
3. Winterize Your Windows
Heat is notorious for transferring through windowpanes. Older homes typically have single-pane windows, but these provide very little protection against the cold. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows may drastically reduce your winter energy bill.
4. Seal Cracks Around Window And Door Frames
When is the last time you checked to make sure your windows and doors were properly sealed? One way to check for drafts is to hold a lit candle at various points near the window and door frames; if there is a draft, the passing air currents will cause the flame to flicker. Seal these drafts with caulk and/or weatherstripping.
5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Our ceiling fans serve two primary purposes. In the summer, they work to pull the warm air up towards the ceiling, creating a cooling effect similar to a wind tunnel. In the winter, they push the warm air that has pooled up near the ceiling back down to our living areas. Make sure your fans are rotating clockwise in the winter in order to achieve this effect!
6. Replace Your Furnace Filter Every 2 Months
Your furnace works by recirculating the air in your home to keep it warm, pulling it through a filter in the process. If this filter becomes dirty or clogged, your system will have to work harder to get the air through it - resulting in higher energy bills for you. Replace the filter every two months or so to keep your furnace operating at maximum efficiency.
7. Insulate Your Water Heater
Most of us don't think about the cost required to heat our water, but it is an important factor nevertheless. Most experts recommend turning the setting down on your water heater to 120°. This will save you money on your heating bills, and the water will still be plenty warm enough for all your household purposes. You can also buy a special blanket designed to help insulate your water heater, reducing the costs required to keep the water hot.
Happy Winterizing!
I hope that by following these suggestions, you are able to significantly lower your winter heating costs! What other winterizing suggestions do you have for The MacGuire Team? If we missed anything, leave us a comment below and let us know!
Mike MacGuire
Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent
The MacGuire Team
6760 Corporate Dr
Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-536-4324 or 719-660-6793
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
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