How to be More Energy Efficient in the Cooler Months
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The leaves are falling, and so should your utilities expenses! As the cooler weather creeps in, we know it’s incredibly tempting to turn up the thermostat – a few degrees won’t hurt, right? But without thorough preparation to ensure that the warmth in your home is not leaking out, you might be spending much more than you should be on your energy bills. Here are some tips to make your home more energy efficient (and your wallet happier) in the chillier months:
Adjust the Thermostat
Lower your thermostat temperature to the lowest degree that you can comfortably tolerate. During the winter time, the ideal temperature should be between 66 and 69 degrees. If you decide that this is not enough heat, consider alternative ways to warm up before cranking up the thermostat – like wearing an extra layer of clothes or bundling yourself up with blankets.
Seal Leaks
Carefully scrutinize all spots in your home where warm air could leak out of. These little “wallet bullies” can be anything from small openings in windows or exposed undersides of doors. Dedicate a necessary amount of time to seal them and to ensure that you’re taking full advantage of all the heat in your home.
Rely on the Sun!
There can be a lot of benefit to relying on the sun’s natural light for your warming needs: it’s effective and, best of all, it’s free! Open your south-facing curtains during the day so that a maximum amount of heat can be absorbed into your home. At night, simply shut the curtains to lock in the warmth.
Humidify
Invest in a quality humidifier to keep your home at a comfortable level of humidity. Moist air will keep the air feeling warmer and will also preserve the warm air more efficiently. As a bonus, this tip will also keep your skin moisturized too!