Fall and winter are arriving, so it’s time to shift your green thinking about how to conserve energy. Shorter days and cooler weather mean focusing on specific fall and winter energy-saving tips for your home.
It’s easy to keep living green during the colder months with fall and winter energy-saving tips. You’ll decrease your carbon footprint and save on energy costs. Using gadgets and energy-efficient appliances, tackling a few home-improvement projects and being smart when it comes to heating your home are key points to remember.
Check out our fall and winter energy-saving tips to help you conserve energy.
1. Do home repairs to help you save
It’s the perfect time for home maintenance since the weather is cooler and flying pests aren’t as bothersome. Making a few changes to your home can help you save on energy costs and do a little good for the planet.
- Upgrade your windows from single to double pane (watch for ENERGY STAR options to increase your savings). If that’s out of your budget, remember to utilize coverings like blinds, drapes, solar film or shades.
- Check insulation thickness, and add more, if necessary.
- Weatherize your home using caulk or weather stripping. Seal air leaks around letter drops, vents, door frames and windows. And don’t forget the attic. There are often small openings that are overlooked.
- Upgrade your appliances to the most energy-efficient options. Watch for ENERGY STAR labels and ensure the size matches your needs.
2. Tweak appliance use to help you save
Your appliances got a serious workout during the summer heat, so give ‘em a break. Make minor adjustments to how you use your appliances to conserve energy and ultimately save on your electricity bill.
- Turn your refrigerator down a few degrees. If yours has an energy-saving setting, switch it on.
- Reduce the temperature to 120° (not any higher) on your water heater, and wrap an insulating blanket around it.
- Be sure your household washing is in warm or cold water.
3. Utilize gadgets to help you save
You don’t have to think or plan so much thanks to advances in technology. Taking advantage of smart gadgets can help you save on energy costs in your home.
- Use LEDs for lighting needs. They use less electricity and last longer.
- Smart power strips shut the power off to electronics when not in use. You can create a master setting for them, too.
- Programmable thermostats can be set to heat during specific times of the day. You can customize heating schedules that fit your routine.
- Motion sensors and timers for outside lighting can minimize unnecessary use.
- Use solar lighting for your lawn and garden.
4. Control heating use during winter to help you save
Heat is a must during the cold months that are fast approaching. Did you know that heating your home can make up half of your energy costs? Stay savvy when it comes to running your heater as efficiently as possible when it’s time to warm your home.
- Complete seasonal maintenance on your heating system.
- Give your home time to warm once the heater is turned on. Bursts of increased temperatures won’t make it warm any faster.
- Be sure dirty air filters aren’t making your system work harder; replace as needed.
- Reverse your ceiling fan. Position the blade direction clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling to the floor.
- Keep from blocking vents and registers so heat has a clear path to the room.
- Use the sun to your advantage by opening curtains and blinds during the day (especially on the south side of your house). Close them at night to reduce drafts.
It’s easy to stay eco-friendly when you tap into fall and winter energy-saving tips. Our Energy Saving Center has more ways to live greener while saving a little green during the fall and winter months.
