Our recent weeks of frigid temps delivered power bill sticker shock for many local residents!
Whether you’re battling a polar vortex or sweltering in a heatwave, extreme temperatures can send your power bills soaring. Keeping your home comfortable shouldn’t mean breaking the bank.
Here are five practical tips to help you save energy and money, no matter how extreme the temperature gets.
1) Seal the deal (and the drafts, too)
Air leaks are a major culprit for energy waste. In cold weather, they let precious heat escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. In hot weather, they allow cool air to leak out, making your air conditioner struggle.
This means your HVAC system runs longer, consuming more energy and driving up your bills. Think of it like trying to heat or cool a house with the windows open – inefficient and expensive!
Don’t forget about checking the attic access hatch and any other less obvious areas. A little effort in sealing can make a big difference in your energy bill.
Pay close attention to these common problem areas:
- Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around the frames.
- Pipes and Wiring: Look where pipes and wires enter your home.
- Attic Access Hatch or Retractable Ladder: This can be a major source of air leakage.
- Fireplace Damper: Ensure it’s closed tightly when not in use.
- Baseboards and Trim: Gaps can exist along these areas.
- Outlets and Switches: Believe it or not, air can leak through these!
Do you have a retractable attic ladder? These can suck the heat right out of the room! Click here to check out an economical, zip-up attic ladder cover.
Here’s the fix:
- Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows to create a seal.
- Caulk: Use caulk to fill gaps and cracks around windows, pipes, and other openings. Choose a caulk appropriate for the material (e.g., silicone for bathrooms).
- Expanding Foam: For larger gaps where pipes enter the home, expanding foam can be very effective. Be careful not to over-apply as it can swell alarmingly!
- Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to prevent drafts.
- Electrical outlet and Switch Sealers: These inexpensive foam gaskets can be placed behind outlet and switch covers to reduce airflow.
Pro Tip: Do a “home energy audit” by checking for drafts on a windy day. Hold a lit candle or a piece of tissue paper near windows, doors, and other openings. If the flame flickers or the tissue moves, you have an air leak.
WARNING: Be sure not to set your curtains on fire if you’re using the candle method.
2) Smart thermostat, smarter savings!
A programmable or smart thermostat is a game-changer for energy efficiency. It allows you to set temperature schedules based on your daily routine, automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re away at work or asleep. This prevents your heating or cooling system from running unnecessarily, saving you energy and money.
Here’s how to keep your cool (or your warmth):
- Programmable Thermostats: These allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day. For example, you can set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re at work and a comfortable temperature for when you’re home.
- Smart Thermostats: These take it a step further by learning your preferences over time. They can even adjust the temperature based on weather forecasts and your location. Some models have apps for smartphone connectivity, giving you even more flexibility.
Choosing the right thermostat: Consider features like Wi-Fi connectivity, learning capabilities, and compatibility with your HVAC system. For most homeowners, your best bet would be to make an appointment with your HVAC company to choose the right model and perform the installation.
Click here for a Consumer Reports comparison of smart and programmable thermostats.
3) Layer up (or down) for energy savings
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: personal comfort adjustments can significantly impact your energy usage.
- Cold Weather: Embrace layers of clothing to stay warm without relying solely on your heating system. Think cozy sweaters, warm socks, thermal underwear, and even a blanket while watching TV. Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees and layering up can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.
- Hot Weather: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Use fans to circulate air, making the room feel cooler and allowing you to set your AC a few degrees higher. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners.
4) Window wisdom: Harness (or block) the sun
Your windows can be a major source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
Managing sunlight effectively is crucial for energy savings. Hear are a few tips:
- Winter: Maximize natural light during the colder months. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. When the sun goes down, close them to insulate your windows and prevent heat from escaping.
- Summer: Do the opposite. Close curtains and blinds, especially on south- and west-facing windows, during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler.
- Window Treatments: Consider investing in thermal curtains or window films for added insulation. These can significantly reduce heat transfer through your windows.
- Planting Trees: Planting trees around your home can provide shade in the summer and reduce wind exposure in the winter, further improving energy efficiency.
5) HVAC Checkup: An ounce of prevention
Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system is crucial for efficiency and longevity. Trying to save pennies on regular maintenance can cost you mega bucks if your system fails. Here’s how to keep your HVAC system humming:
- Annual Check-ups: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified HVAC technician. They can identify potential problems, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure proper airflow. Preventative maintenance can catch small issues before they become major (and expensive) repairs.
- Filter Changes: Don’t forget to change your air filters regularly! A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Check your filters monthly and replace them as needed (usually every 1-3 months).
- DIY Maintenance: In addition to professional check-ups, there are some things you can do yourself. Keep vents and registers clear of obstructions, and occasionally check your exterior HVAC unit, making sure it is free of encroaching shrubs, or other obstructions.
By implementing these five tips, you can exercise some control over your energy consumption and significantly reduce your power bills, no matter how extreme the weather outside. A little planning and effort can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy.
Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.
