Learn How to Lower Utility Bills
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Monday, prognosticating another 6 weeks of winter. Whether or not you believe his prediction, it’s never too late to make some small, and not so small, changes to your home to significantly lower utility bills. Here is the breakdown when it comes to your utility bill:
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Are you heating and/or cooling your home when no one is around or people are asleep? If you are, you could be wasting a lot of money. If you are diligent enough, you may be able to raise the thermostat setting when you wake up, lower it when you go to work, raise it back up again when you come home, and turn it down again before going to bed, but what is the likelihood of that happening everyday?
source: nest.com
2. Insulate Windows and Doors
Lock any windows and doors not being used, as the tightness gets rid of any drafts. Consider putting Window Shrink Film over any windows that you don’t plan on opening all winter. Make sure to attach it to the frame of the window and not the window itself and use a hair dryer to create a taut air seal. If you followed the directions carefully, you shouldn’t even be able to tell it is there from a distance. Also, remember to replace any worn weatherstripping with a fresh set. The same goes for caulking your doors and windows. You want to remove the old before installing the new. Check out this video for re-caulking your windows and doors:3. Check Your Furnace Filter and Air Vents
Set a reminder on your phone or computer for the first of every month to check and/or replace your furnace air filters. Have a large backup supply of filters so you don’t have to run to the store every time. Most filters need to be replaced every 30-60 days. Another thing you should check are your supply and return vents. Make sure these openings are completely unblocked. Check under rugs, behind furniture, and drapery to see if any vents are being blocked. Not only will this cause unwanted pressure in your duct system, causing air leaks, but it will also prevent warm air from coming into your rooms or cold air from being able to escape through the returns.4. Take Advantage of the Sun
The sun’s energy is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Even on the coldest of days, the sun’s rays can supply your home with substantial amounts of heat. When the sun is out, make sure you open the curtains or blinds. Conversely, if the sun is down or hidden, close your blinds for added insulation. Consider purchasing “thermal drapes/curtains” for extra insulation.5. Get Your Ducts In a Row
Taking care of your air ducts is important for energy savings and improved indoor quality. You can tell if you have dirty air ducts that need cleaning by sticking a flash camera into one of your air registers and taking a couple snaps. If it look anything like this, you’ll want to schedule duct cleaning as soon as possible, especially if you have family members with respiratory issues: