As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your home and making it more energy efficient. Preparing your home for the colder months ahead will pay off in lower heating bills and a warmer, more comfortable house all season long. Here are five tips to boost energy efficiency before winter.
1. Boost Energy Efficiency: Check Your Insulation
One of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to ensure that it is adequately insulated. Good insulation will keep the heat inside your home and prevent drafts from coming in. Start by checking the insulation in your attic and adding more, if necessary, to help keep air from entering through the roof. Then, look at your windows and doors to see if some gaps or cracks allow air in. Weatherstripping or caulk can seal these areas and prevent heat loss.
2. Use Rugs or Carpets to Boost Energy Efficiency
If you have hardwood floors or tiles, they feel colder than other types of flooring in the winter. One way to combat this is by adding area rugs to warm the room. Not only will they make your floors feel warmer, but rugs also add a touch of color to your interior décor.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your heating bills during the winter. These devices allow you to schedule when you want your heat on and off. For example, you can set the thermostat so your heat turns on an hour before you wake up and off just before you leave for work. Program the device to return the living spaces to a more comfortable temperature an hour before you arrive home. This way, the house will be warm when you walk in the door.
4. Educate Your Family About Conserving Energy
One of the best ways to conserve energy in your home is simply by being conscious of it. Educate your family members about saving energy and ask them to help by turning off lights when they leave a room and not adjusting the thermostat. If you use space heaters, turn the appliance on to warm the room, but turn it off and unplug it before bed or when leaving the house. Small changes like these add up over time and make a difference in your energy bill.
5. Reverse the Ceiling Fan
Most people know that ceiling fans can help cool down a room in the summer, but did you know that they can also help a room feel warmer in winter? Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades turn clockwise during the year’s colder months. This direction will push warm air down from the ceiling, making it feel warmer without raising the temperature on your thermostat.
Prepare your home for winter to enjoy lower heating bills and a warmer, more comfortable house all season long. Insulate your home and talk to your family about ways to conserve energy. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to having cozy winter living spaces that are also energy efficient.
Porch Light Home Inspections offers inspections to customers in the central Oregon area. Contact us to schedule our services if you’re buying or selling a home.