Fall is here in Central Ohio which means the bitter cold of winter will be here soon. Before your furnace starts working overtime, we want to give you a few simple energy saving tips to help you stay warm this winter.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HEAT FROM THE SUN
Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
COVER DRAFTY WINDOWS
Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE
When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
FIND AND SEAL LEAKS
Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATING COSTS
Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home.
Turn 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.
MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING SYSTEMS
Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
Use these energy saving tips to save even more money this fall.
Schedule service for your heating system. A well maintained furnace will run more efficiently. Call us and schedule yours today.
