Have you been looking all over for winter energy saving tips? If so, look no further. We’ve got a list of awesome ways to keep your home warmer, reduce energy consumption, and save your budget.
Typically, summer and winter mean high energy bills. In fact, the U.S. Energy and Information Administration (EIA) anticipates utility bills will be higher than normal. But all is not lost! Whether you’re buying a light coat in the South or snow boots in the North, you can keep warm no matter where you are this winter. And guess what? It won’t have to cost you a fortune.
8 Winter Saving Energy Tips
The only way to save yourself from high energy pitfalls is to be proactive when it comes to heating your home. There are so many ways to approach energy consumption the green way and save yourself a nice coin. Let’s explore a few winter energy saving tips that have sustainability in mind.
1. Winter Upkeep All Year Round
While this one might seem like a no-brainer, routine maintenance is #1 on this list for a reason. This is your chance to shine a light on any potential (and unnecessary) energy guzzling. Here are a few checkups you can perform around your house to make sure you’re not wasting energy and keeping the warmth indoors.
- A Deep Clean with a Big Return – This is a chance to clear lint and dust from every nook and cranny of your home. Make sure you get those pesky air vents to relieve any stagnation in the quality of air delivered to your home. This will ensure that your heating system is running efficiently.
- Small, Smart Changes That Add Up – This is a great example of how every little bit counts. If you’re looking into smart home upgrades that have a greener outcome, LED light bulbs are big energy savers. They’re brighter and require less energy to light your home. Know what that means? These babies are saving you money and lowering your carbon footprint.
- Replace Filters Wherever Possible — Filters are often some of the most overlooked aspects of getting your home ready for winter. But when compiling a list of winter energy saving tips, filter replacement is a must. Replace the filter in your furnace, so your heating system isn’t working harder.
2. Locate and Insulate Drafts
Air leaks are most likely the culprit for a chilly home, and you’ve got to catch them red-handed, each and every one. The idea is to stop your heating unit from overworking itself by minimizing the amount of heat lost inside your home. That means checking your attic for drafts, as well as gaps between your chimney and floorboards.
Got any candles? Believe it or not, candles are pretty efficient detectives when searching your home for drafts. Try moving around your home with a candle and watching the flicker. This can be a great tool for detecting drafts along your windows and doors.
Once the drafts have been located, the insulation fun begins. You can use weatherstripping tape to line your windows and insulate any cracks you find. Be on the lookout for leaky ductwork as well. Another tip is to grab your hairdryer and some window insulation film for a great DIY sealant. Other options for bigger insulation jobs are fiberglass, wool, or even foam insulation. And if things get a little tricky? Don’t shy away from calling a professional.
3. Use Textiles to Combat Frost
This winter energy saving tip is a chance to go crazy with fashion and home decor. Finally, here’s your reason to play around with fabric. Whether you’re draping it around your home or snuggling it around your body, textiles are the answer.
By including different textiles in your home, you can stay warm for less and easily change up the inside when the weather changes. Likewise, thicker fabric can protect you from chillier temperatures indoors, or add try layering your thermals.
Here are a few ways to change up your look and keep warm inside the house:
- Wear a Sweater. It’s finally sweater season! Bundle up to stay warm and save on energy costs.
- Slip on Comfy Socks. A pair of cozy socks will keep you warm when you walk on cold hard floors.
- Change the Curtains. It’s good practice to switch out your summer curtains, which might be sheer or thinner, with heavier textiles that will trap heat in.
- Throw Down Some Rugs. If your home has hard surface floors, rugs are the easiest way to keep your feet warm. They also trap heat in your home to raise the temperature.
4. Use Houseplants for More Moisture
Humidity dictates the way we feel air temperature. That’s why increasing the amount of moisture in the air is a winter energy saving tip you can’t miss out on. When there’s more moisture in the air, you’ll feel warmer. So, how do plants fit into this puzzle?
It’s through a process called evapotranspiration. The water from your plants evaporates into the air. This is great news for plant parents everywhere! Your quarantine hobby has a major pay off. But don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb.
The old fashion way works just fine. Invest in an air humidifier to decrease the dryness in the air. Or, you can boil water on a low temperature setting and it will slowly evaporate into the air. There’s taking a warm shower to warm up the house and letting the moisture out.
5. Smarter Thermostat Adjustments
Thermostats make it to every winter energy saving tips list. It’s because this is one of the most efficient ways to control the amount of energy your home consumes. A great way to save electricity in the winter is by turning your thermostat down when you’re sleeping. This is because cooler temperatures usually reign supreme at night. Nothing to worry about though when you’re snug as a bug in your bed. Load up on the blankets this season and keep warm with a low carbon footprint. An electric blanket or a hot water bottle can keep you warmer at night and conserve energy. You can also cuddle with your favorite furry friend. Try turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° and see how much you can save on your electric bill.
If you really want to save the most, invest in a smart, programmable thermostat, like the Google Nest. This is optimal home energy efficiency for any home and it puts your home’s energy back into your hands.
6. Getting the Most Heat from Surprise Sources
The best way to get the most out of any winter energy saving tip is to get creative. That means keeping warm by tapping into uncommon sources of heat around your house that you might not have even considered. Let’s take a look at a few areas in the house that you can get the most heat for less.
- The Kitchen – Kitchens can be one of the hottest rooms in your home. We talked about boiling water on the stove, but your oven has a lot of warmth to give as well. When you’re moseying about the kitchen this winter, make that heat last longer. For safety reasons, you should turn the oven off first, but leaving the oven door after cooking open can greatly increase the temperature.
- The Bathroom – Another great source of heat in your home comes from a bathroom. There’s nothing like a hot, steamy shower when the temperatures drop outside. Let that heat and moisture from your shower warm nearby rooms and spread around the house. This can be done by simply leaving your bathroom door open and allowing the warmth to travel.
7. Smaller Rooms, Less Energy
Since we’re talking about rooms, here’s another way to stay warm and use less energy. Hang out in smaller rooms to conserve your energy. This tip is amazing for people who work from home and tend to use more energy because of it.
A smaller room requires less energy to stay warm. If you must use your central heater, you can easily maintain a more comfortable temperature if you’re in a smaller room. On the plus side, it will also give you a chance to make use of a personal space heater. You’ll want to select one that has an auto shut-off feature for energy savings. It will turn off when not in use and moderate its own temperature to stop from overheating.
8. Capture the Heat from the Sun
You’ll be happy to know that the Earth’s natural, abundant source of energy is the best way to keep your home warm. Surprisingly, we can heat up the same way ancient civilizations did.
Here are a few winter energy saving tips that capture the heat from the sun and use it wisely:
- Choose to spend time in rooms that get the most sunlight.
- Use your curtains to make the room warmer.
- Power your home with energy from the sun.
Bring in the holidays with some warmth from the sun. Whether you’re gifting or decorating, there are so many ways to stay green this winter season. Warming your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Solar panels are a great way to keep costs down on your utility bills and give you a more sustainable choice about where you get your energy from. While energy bills can be tricky to read, you’ll notice the difference this year once you pay attention to how you keep your home warm and comfortable.
Don’t let high electricity bills frighten you away from a Winter Wonderland! Contact a Solar Energy Specialist today and learn how you can save big, no matter the season.
