Saving energy is important all the time, but especially during the winter months. During cold weather, it is easy to use more energy than is needed, meaning that you can end up with unnecessarily high utility bills. Of course, your home has to be kept warm during the cold weather months, so take some tips from the experts at Centerville Heating & Cooling that will keep your home warm and inviting while saving energy and cutting back on your monthly utility bills.
Saving Energy During the Cold Months in Centerville, Ohio
Make a Plan of Action
Make a list outlining your ideas for saving energy throughout the cold weather months. Create a to-do list, jot notes for yourself on your calendar so that you won’t forget to do things at specific times, and create a shopping list so that you can buy everything you will need to put your plans into action. You will have everything on hand when you need it rather than having to stop and go shopping before proceeding with your plans. Remember to get everyone in your home involved with conserving energy. Get a discussion started and ask if anyone has any suggestions or ideas. Share with everyone how they can help cut back on energy waste in the home.
Search Your Home for Drafty Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can find its way into your home in many ways. Cracks in walls (especially in basements or attics), gaps in floorboards, around windows, near fireplaces, etc., can not only allow freezing outside air to enter your home, but they are also a means for heated air to get out. Use a good quality caulk to fill in and seal these areas and cover drafty windows with weatherproofing kits. Place weatherstripping around doors to keep drafts from making their way in.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a modern programmable thermostat in your home can save money and energy. With a programmable thermostat, you can control the temperature in your home from anywhere. When you and your family are away, turn down the temperature on your thermostat. Do the same thing at night when everyone is warm in their beds. When it is time for everyone to be home, increase the temperature by a few degrees so that your family will come home to a warm, cozy house. The programmable thermostat is controlled by a free app downloaded onto your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Turn Down the Temperature on Your Water Heater
Set the temperature of your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will save energy and money. A great deal of a home’s energy use can be traced to water usage. Paying extra attention and cutting back on hot water use will make a significant difference. If you are not sure how to change the temperature setting on your water heater, give Centerville Heating & Cooling a call, and one of our HVAC technicians will be happy to come to your home and do it for you.
Reducing Water Temperature Is a Great Money Saver
You can save 3% to 5% off your energy bill for every decrease of 10 degrees Fahrenheit in water temperature.
Turn Water Off Whenever You Can
Don’t allow water to run while you brush your teeth, wash your face, wash dishes, etc. Shutting the water off for even a few minutes can save several gallons from being wasted and can also save money on your energy bill.
Reduce Shower Time
Everyone enjoys a hot shower after being outside in the freezing weather all day, but the more time you spend in the shower, the more money and energy are literally running down the drain and being wasted. To keep the bathroom steamy and warm for as long as possible, close the door and place a rolled-up towel at the bottom. When you get out of the shower, wrap yourself in a luxurious, thick towel or a fluffy, warm robe. These easy ways to stay warm don’t require any energy at all, and you will be very comfortable.
Show Your HVAC System a Little TLC
Preventive maintenance is extremely important when it comes to your home’s heating and cooling unit. Your HVAC system will continue to perform at optimum levels for many years if it is well taken care of. Once a year, prior to the onset of extreme weather season (either summer or winter), have a professional inspection and thorough cleaning performed on your HVAC system. If you are in the Centerville, Ohio area, call Centerville Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment with one of our fully trained and licensed HVAC specialists. Your system will receive a comprehensive inspection and tune-up, which will include repair of any issues or potential issues that may be found, as well as a complete cleaning, including all ductwork.
Final Thoughts on Saving Energy During the Cold Months
It doesn’t take much work at all to conserve energy during the Winter months. Look around your house from top to bottom to see if you can locate cracks or areas where drafts can enter your home and where the heat can escape, and seal them with caulk or weatherproofing materials. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut down on the amount of time you spend in the shower. These are just a few of the ways you can reduce energy waste.
At Centerville Heating & Cooling, our customers’ satisfaction and comfort are our number one priority. Give us a call at (937) 353-1169 or visit us online and let us help you to get the most out of your HVAC system all Winter long.
