8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter: Our October 2016 Newsletter

 

 8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

Cooler temperatures outside means it’s time to heat the inside, which could result in a higher electricity bill. Here are some tips to help you keep your home warm and your bills low this fall and winter:

 

1. Take Advantage of Natural Heat
Opening curtains on your south-facing windows during the day is a great way to cut your energy costs by warming your home naturally.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

2. Cover Drafty Windows
Add an extra layer to drafty windows by using a heavy-duty plastic sheet or taping clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration of cold air. A simpler option is to close your blinds and pull your curtains shut, which provides the same result.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

3. Adjust Your Thermostat
When you are home, practice setting your thermostat as low as is comfortable. This can be quite an adjustment if you are cold natured, but investing in warm clothes, throw blankets, a stocking hat and a good pair of house shoes should help!

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

When you are asleep or out of the house, get into the habit of turning your thermostat down 10° to 15° for eight hours per day / night. This can add up to around 10% savings a year on your heating and cooling bills! A programmable thermostat can easily make this an automatic function.

 

4. Find & Seal Leaks
Utility cut-throughs for pipes often have air leaks that need to be sealed. Chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings also often have small gaps that can be the source of cold air. Adding caulk or weather stripping to these spaces is an easy, affordable way to seal leaks and lock out cold air.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

5. Maintain Your Heating System
It’s a good idea to schedule routine service for your home’s heating system. Make sure you are educated on what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter\

 

6. Minimize Heat Loss from the Fireplace
One of the most important tips is to reduce heat loss during the winter is to keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open; it allows warm air to escape right out the chimney.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

If you never use your fireplace, plugging and sealing the chimney flue is your best option for maintaining heat in your home. If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.

 

7. Lower Water Heating Costs
Did you know that water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home? You can save some energy (and some money) by turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands when you turn on the hot water!

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

8. Lower Holiday Lights Cost
It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without holiday lights, but consistent use can definitely increase your energy bill. Try using light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

 

8 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter

 

While the fall and winter months represent “the most wonderful time of the year,” high energy bills can definitely put a damper on your holiday spirit! Follow these tips to keep your electric costs down, and let us know if you need any help winterizing your home!

 

 

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Our monthly newsletter is an easy, FREE way to stay current with home remodeling trends, get advice and inspiration, and of course, keep up with what’s going on at Medford Remodeling! Upon signing up, you’ll get your own copy sent to your inbox the second Saturday of every month; complete with helpful home maintenance tips, upcoming community events, and progress blogs on our most recent remodeling jobs!

Sign up in the left column of our Facebook page, or at the bottom of our blog page, here!

Kind Regards,

 

The Medford Remodeling Team

 

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