Winter means shorter days, longer nights, and higher home energy bills. To help you keep your utility costs under control, we’ve prepared this list of simple winter energy-savings tips. Not only will these tips for saving energy in the winter save you money but your home will be more comfortable throughout the year.
- Let the Sunlight In
Open up your curtains during the daytime to let direct sunlight in. This reduces your need for artificial lighting, helps combat those midwinter blues, and helps warm your home naturally.
- Invest in Insulated Curtains
Swap out your thin, lightweight curtains for heavy, thermal-rated drapes. When closed, these curtains help boost the energy-efficiency of your home by slowing heat loss through your windows. This one of the easiest winter energy-savings tips to use in your home, and those heavy insulated curtains are also great for blocking out exterior noise and unwanted light.
- Keep Vents Clean and Clear
Check that all the vents in your house are clear of obstructions, as a blocked vent can degrade the air circulation in your home. If you have a vent located below a window, be sure the air from that vent is flowing in front of, rather than behind, your window coverings.
- Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save on your home heating and cooling costs is to turn your heat down when you’re not home and while you’re asleep. Doing this consistently can lead to about $180 in annual savings, which is why installing a programmable thermostat makes sense.
- Insulate Your Attic
During the cold winter months, heat from your living space naturally flows upwards into your attic and other unheated areas. Minimizing the temperature difference between your attic and the rest of your home can go a long way towards reducing heat loss, and the best way to do that is to insulate your attic.
- Install High-Efficiency Windows
Replacing your old, inefficient windows can help you save up to 30% on your home heating and cooling costs. New energy-efficient windows improve the curb appeal of your property, and they’ll make your house more comfortable throughout the year by eliminating uncomfortable drafts.
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Rotation
Ceiling fans are exceptionally effective at either pulling warm air upwards or pushing it down. Once the mercury dips, be sure to switch your ceiling fans to winter mode by setting the blades to rotate clockwise. This pushes warm air back towards your living space, making your rooms more comfortable.
- Replace Your Furnace Filter
For your HVAC system to work efficiently, the filter needs to be free of dust and other contaminants. Not only will a fresh, clean filter help your furnace work better but it can help improve the indoor air quality in your home.
- Add Storm Doors to Your Entry
Storm doors add an extra layer of protection between the interior of your home and the elements, making them a must-have.
- Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Over time, window and door seals can crack and shrink, leaving gaps that let the heat out and the cold air in. Check for leaks around your doors and windows, and use weatherproof caulking to fill in any gaps.
Contact Us Today for Replacement Windows
To learn more about how replacing windows can save on your home energy costs, contact us at Thompson Creek Window Company. We can advise, provide, and install customized windows to help you save money and stay comfortable all year round.