Best Ways To Save Energy And Money During The Winter
The winter can get very expensive due to high home heating costs. This is especially true when the winter is colder and longer than normal. For this reason, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy use and in turn, reduce their home heating expenses. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways that you can reduce your energy use so that you can enjoy the financial savings that go along with it.
Insulation
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Unless you live in a modern home specifically designed to be energy-efficient, it is advisable to install additional insulation in areas such as the attic and walls. Examples of common insulation materials include cellulose, fiberglass, foam, and slag wool. The Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) recommends purchasing insulation materials with high R-values. In addition, ensure the R-value is based on the standards set by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Adding insulation to your home could lower space-heating costs by 10 to 50%.
Weatherstripping
Apply appropriate weather stripping to doors, windows, and parts of your home that could allow cold air to leak indoors during the winter. To identify areas where air leaks could occur, you should hire a professional to conduct a comprehensive home energy audit using tools such as infrared cameras and blower doors. Once you identify the problem areas, seal them using materials such as foam sealants, felt, tape, reinforced vinyl, caulk, house wrap, and drywall. It is important to note that weather-stripping should be applied to dry surfaces, which means it should be done well before the winter season begins.
Programmable Thermostat
Purchasing and installing a programmable thermostat can help you lower your home heating costs during the winter. This is because you can program such a thermostat to dial down by 7 to 10 degrees while you are away from home and then revert to a higher indoor temperature whenever you are at home. Doing so could lower your space heating expenses in winter by up to 10%.
LED Lights
If you still use fluorescent lights in your home, replace them with LED lights because they are more energy-efficient. In fact, data from the US Department of Energy shows that LED lights are 75% more energy efficient than traditional lights such as incandescent bulbs. Moreover, LED lights are more durable than fluorescent or incandescent lights. If you can, go for LED lights connected to the internet of things (IoT) because they can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet.
Energy Efficient Doors And Windows
Consider replacing your home’s doors and windows with energy-efficient alternatives. For example, doors and windows with the ENERGY STAR label that are specifically designed to prevent heat loss. Figures published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that installing energy-efficient doors and windows could lower energy consumption at the household level nationally by 12% every year.
Heating System Tune-up
Hire a professional to give your home heating system a thorough tune-up. This includes inspecting, cleaning, or replacing heat exchanger, vent system, drain lines, fan belt, control box, electrical wiring, and flue system. An HVAC expert will also listen for abnormal noises emitted by different parts of your home heating system. An inefficient heating unit consumes more energy, which translates to high power bills during winter.
Water Heating
If you have a water heater that is at least ten years old, you should replace it with a modern, energy-efficient heater. A good example would be a heater that only heats water on-demand instead of all the water in the tank.
Heating System Tune-up Hazleton PA
By following the above steps, you can significantly lower your home heating costs. Additionally, you will reduce your carbon footprint which means that your home is more environmentally friendly. The condition of your heater plays a huge role in your energy use during the winter. Therefore, it is important that you get an annual heater tune-up especially before the peak of the winter. This will allow your heating system to run more efficiently and effectively. Be sure to contact an experienced and trusted HVAC company to conduct all the maintenance on your heating system.
For professional and high-quality HVAC services, including heating system tune-ups, be sure to contact R.F. Ohl. We can tune-up your heater so that you can stay warm and cozy in your home at a fraction of the cost. We also offer heating oil delivery, HVAC equipment installations, and propane delivery services. Be sure to contact R.F. Ohl for all of your home heating and comfort needs.
We service Beaver Meadows PA 18216, Ebervale PA 18223, Harleigh PA 18225, Hazleton PA 18201, Junedale PA 18230, Lattimer Mines PA 18234, Mcadoo PA 18237, Milnesville PA 18239, Pardeesville PA 18243, and Tresckow PA 18254. We also service all of Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.