After a nice long summer, fall is here and for a lot of people that means finishing up on home projects before the wet weather arrives in full force. Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for the cold to stay more efficient and warm.
Change Furnace Filters
It’s easy to forget but dirty filters can restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Marking a date on your calendar to change them can be a good way to remember and save you some extra cash during the holiday season.
Run Fans in Reverse
You may think your ceiling fan is only useful in the warmer months but actually if you run your fan in reverse it can help push down the warm air that is wasted on the ceiling. Helping cut heating costs up to 10%.
Turn Down Your Water Heater
Most hot water heaters are set at 140 degrees when installed. Many households don’t need that much that heat. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower) would reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.
Dodge the Drafts
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use. For under $20 you can get an easy to use a door draft stopper. Or go the free route and just roll up a towel to place at the bottom of your doors.
Insulate Your Pipes
Pay less for hot water by insulating pipes. That can also help decrease the chance of pipes freezing, which can be disastrous. Check to see if your pipes are warm to the touch. If so, they are good candidates for insulation. (Use the same method to determine if your hot water heater would benefit from some insulation.)
These simple, easy and cheap fixes can save you money and increase your comfort during the chilly months.
