Save Money on Home Energy This Winter

Save Money

On Home Energy This Winter

As we head into the winter months, you may notice one thing: an increase in your energy bill. The reduced amount of daylight drives us to turn on our lights sooner, while the cooler temperatures cause us to crank up the heat inside. The winter and summer months tend to be the most energy-intensive times of the year, as we try to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, despite what the thermometer says. 

8 Tips to Save Money and Stay Warm this Winter 

  

1. Set the thermostat to 20° C (68°F) when you’re home.  Studies show you use 3-5% more energy for each degree the thermostat is set above this number.  Instead of increasing the heat, put on a sweater to stay warm. 

2. When you leave the house, lower the thermostat.  Why heat your house if no one is home? Lowering your
thermostat 10 -15 degrees can save 5-15% a year on your energy bill.  

3. Close your curtains or blinds at night and when you’re not home to keep warm air from escaping. Go the extra mile and invest in thermal blackout curtains, which can help keep warm air where it belongs—in your home.

4. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk gaps and cracks when you see them to prevent heat from escaping.

5. Close the damper of your fireplace when you’re not using it. Being mindful of this small action can keep your house noticeably warmer.

6. Insulate. Up to 25%of heat is lost through the small cracks and holes around the house.  Properly   insulating your walls, doors and attic can save you up to 10% on your total energy costs.

7. Replace old windows. Depending on the climate, windows can account for 25-50% of a home’s heating and cooling needs.  Make sure you’re not losing precious heat in the winter by replacing your old windows with high performance, energy-efficient windows. The added bonus? These windows not only regulate the amount of heat that is absorbed, they also help block outside noise.

8. Maintain your heating and cooling duct system.  By keeping your HVAC system in great shape, you can avoid costly and sudden repairs that might leave your home without heat, plus save money on your energy bills. 

Extend The Life Of Your Heating System

Your heating system will not only last longer if it is well maintained, but it will maximize its efficiency and minimize loss.  If you follow these steps you can extend the life of your heating system.

1. Every month clean the air filters and replace them on a regular basis.  Minimum replaced once in spring as you get your air conditioner ready and again in the fall as you get ready for the heat to come on.
2. Inspect to be sure the air ducts and heating pipes are properly sealed.
3. Inspect for dirt or corrosion. 
4. The heat exchanger should be kept clean to maintain heating levels.
5. Make sure the air vents are clear.  No furniture or curtains covering any of the vents and the vents are in the open position.

How Efficient is Your Furnace?

When your furnace converts the fuel it is using to heat, the more heat you will retain in your home is based on how efficient the furnace is.  The efficiency of your furnace is measured in AFUE - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.  The AFUE is found when you divide the annual fossil fuel energy your furnace uses by how efficient it is at converting the energy from its fuel to heat. 

Use the AFUE from your furnace to know if its time to upgrade.   If you do not know your furnaces AFUE, usually you can visit the manufacturer’s website by model or serial number to find your furnace’s rating.

56-70% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in this range are older, low- efficiency systems, and should be upgraded

80-83% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in this range are mid-efficiency systems.

90-98.5% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in the range are HIGH-EFFICIENCY systems

Keep Energy Costs Down All Year

Keeping your home warm in the winter uses the same things to keep it comfortable all year round.  Things like fixing drafts, keeping your filters clean and using a programmable thermostat.

Clean your systems filters once a month

Have a HIGH-EFFICIENCY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM installed

Switch your thermostat switch to ‘AUTO’.  This way your system will not run continuously.

Program your thermostat to turn the temperature down when you are not home.

Consider purchasing a ‘SMART THERMOSTAT’.  These you can control from your smart phone even if your are not home.

Sources:  PG&E, Energy.gov, Natural Resources Canada, EnergyStar, Buffini