Winter Energy Savers

Are you colder in some rooms of your home than in others? Do you feel drafts when next to a window or door? This could be a sign of energy loss and ultimately a high utility bill during winter months.

A ton of energy and heat can be lost around windows and door frames; especially in older homes. It is said that the average older home can have leaks equal to an open window! Now if that doesn’t get your attention; nothing will!

In addition to windows and doors, energy and heat loss can be the effect of other less noticeable things in your home. Some of these items might be; dropped ceilings, recessed lighting, water and furnace flues, chimney flashings, duct work, electrical outlets and switches, attic entrances, plumbing and utilities.

To combat some of these defectors hit the obvious spots first, the ones that will make a noticeable difference immediately, such as window and doorframes. Seal any major holes and caulk around windows and doors. This can be one of single most cost-effective ways to save energy and stay warm.

Another tip is to close your curtains and shades at night and open them during the day. The sun will help heat your place during the daylight and the shades help prevent the cold from coming in at night. (Tight fitting insulated window shades make a huge difference in saving heat this way.)

Check out your ducts! This can be another huge hidden savings opportunity since you can lose up to 60% of your heated air before it even reaches your register. This can happen if your ducts aren’t sealed correctly or insulated and they travel through unheated spaces such as the attic or a crawlspace. Check w/a professional on how to properly insulate and seal. Having your ducts in proper working order can save up to 5% or more on your heating costs and whala – more heat in your living space for you to enjoy!

Hug your hot water tank! Does it feel warm to the touch? If so, wrap it with additional insulation being careful not to block air into gas fired

water heaters. And; never, never wrap them with combustible materials like blankets or quilts that could catch fire. Proper insulation is available at your local hardware store. Check with them on what to use. (This can also be done on hot water pipes). This could save up to 10% on your costs to heat water.

By the way – another saver when it comes to hot water is to lower the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees or less. You’ll be amazed that your showers will still be very warm and satisfying.

Speaking of showers – installing a low flow showerhead can save gallons of water. And, when you are talking gallons of HOT WATER

that you are spending money to heat; that can be huge! It is said that a low flow showerhead can save up to 14,000 gallons of hot water per year for a family of four. Now that’s a lot of water; a lot of HOT water! Do you see dollar signs? I do!

Adding insulation to your attic is another way to save energy and stay warm. Take a peak up there to see if your current insulation is doing its job and if not; add some. (It also helps keep your home comfortable in the summer months.)

Buying a programmable thermostat that can be pre-set to adjust your temperature at various times is another way to save. By reducing your heat while you sleep or while you are away at work can save up to 10% on your heating bill. The cost of the unit will be offset in only one year of saving energy.

Another quick simple tip on heating units is to have your furnace air filters replaced or cleaned and be sure that none of the registers are blocked by objects; restricting heated air flow. (Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use).

Some other quick tips:

Turn off computers, printers and fax machines every night.

Clean the dust and dirt from your light fixtures

Ceiling fans work well in winter by circulating the warm air from the ceiling back down to living space.

Keep your freezer full. It takes less energy to freeze items in a full freezer than to freeze the empty space. If you have to, add 2 liter pop bottles about 2/3 full of water and put them in the freezer to take up the extra space.

As you can see there are several ways your homes wastes energy and looses heat. By checking a few items that might be the culprit and make a few quick changes or enhancements you can save yourself some cash and a chill this winter.

Thomas J. Monaghan
Ridge Line Home Inspection, LLC
414-530-7773