8 Home Energy Conservation Tips for the Winter

Your heating and cooling system is the largest energy consumer in your home and accounts for nearly half of your total energy costs. The money spent on electricity bills increases dramatically in the summer and winter when temperature control is most widely used. Heating costs can be a particular problem in winter, as it is a matter of survival. Luckily, there are some easy ways to reduce heating costs and save on electricity bills while staying dry in winter.

1. Put the sun at noon

That's why family cats love to nap in the sun — the sun is a great source of free heat. By opening the curtains and blinds during the day, you can take advantage of the greenhouse effect and let the sun warm your home naturally.

2. But close the curtains at night

Unfortunately, windows are not as insulated as walls, which can also cause heat loss. When the sun goes down, close the curtains and curtains so the cold doesn't cool your house. Consider purchasing insulating curtains to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows.

3. Eliminate air and wind leakage

Sealing the air in your home is easy, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Caulking and weatherstripping will usually pay the price of energy savings within a year. Use putty if there are gaps or gaps between immovable objects such as doors and window frames. You can use weather strips around anything that moves, such as the door itself or window sash.

4. Close doors and ventilate unused spaces

Are there rooms that I won't use unless my relatives are in town? Storage space? Maybe the kids won't go to college. Whatever the reason, having a room in your home that is rarely accessed wastes valuable energy heating it in winter. Close all vents in the room and close all doors. This prevents you from paying to heat the unmanned space.

5. Keep warm with clothes and blankets

Warming up is much cheaper than staying at home. Keep the thermostat low and top it off with a nice sweater and warm socks around the house. Toast at night under a thick blanket, blanket, or blanket.

If you are concerned about keeping your pet warm, consider buying a dog sweater for your dog. Sweaters are not recommended for cats. Not only do cats hate clothes, they also seem to have a natural ability to find the warmest place in the house.

6. Continue air circulation

Everyone knows that a ceiling fan is the best way to keep you cool in the summer, but did you know that a fan can also help keep you warm in the winter?

Usually, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, pushing the air downwards and creating a slight cooling effect, allowing you to feel the coolness. However, most ceiling fans have an inverted switch that can rotate clockwise, creating an upward flow of air and moving warm air that collects near the ceiling throughout the room.

7. Use space heater

If you only need to heat a small area, try using a space heater. Electric space heaters can keep warm in a very energy efficient way as there is no heat loss due to ducting or combustion. Space heaters are ideal for heating enclosed areas that only occupy a short amount of time, such as the garage or bathroom, which are always cooler than other rooms in the house for some reason. However, when heating an entire home, space heating is less efficient than natural gas stoves and heat pumps.

8. Get a smart thermostat

Better yet, consider buying a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts your home's temperature settings to maximize energy efficiency. This device learns your habits and preferences and establishes a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures while you sleep or are away.

Some states and local governments are encouraging the installation of smart thermostats at reduced prices. Therefore, look for rebates and other perks available in your area to save on new devices. Contact your energy provider as they may offer special discounts on smart thermostats.