08 Sep 2024 10 Tips to Make Your Home Energy Efficient for the upcoming cold

Posted at 5:16 PMh in Food & Home Entertaining by

By Beth Jimmerson

Cooler temperatures are on the way, and Conway Corp wants to help make your home warmer without turning up the heat this winter. 

While the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts Americans will pay 1 percent more for heating and cooling expenses this year, that number can change dramatically with unexpected drops in temperatures if your home is not properly prepped. Fortunately, there are many practical ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, ensuring you stay cozy while minimizing costs.

Conway Corp wants to ensure your home is prepared for the unexpected, helping you save a nice chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come. With these 10 winterization tips, you’ll save energy while saving money at the same time.

1. Seal all Drafts – Drafts from windows, doors and other gaps can significantly impact your heating efficiency. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use. 

Window insulation is a few dollars at most hardware stores and is essentially invisible once installed. Repair bigger gaps with caulking and weather-stripping. Looking for a simple fix? Fill old socks with sand or kitty litter to make a “draft snake” to place in front of a drafty door.

2. Change Furnace Filters – It’s important to replace furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Consider switching to a permanent filter, which will reduce waste and hassle, saving time and money. Replacing an inefficient furnace for a modern machine will cost you in the short term but save you money every month through the heating season. Disposable fiberglass filters trap between 10 to 40 percent of debris, while permanent electrostatic filters trap around 88 percent and are much better at controlling bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen.

3. Run Fans in Reverse – Many ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes, while switching to clockwise makes it warmer. Air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space, cutting your heating costs by as much as 10 percent.

4. Winterize Your AC and Water Lines – Drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes, making sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment. If your air conditioner has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn it off. Remove any window air conditioner units and store them so you don’t invite cold drafts all winter. Also, turn off exterior water spigots.

5. Optimize Your Water Heater – Many conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees, but most households don’t need that much steam. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees – or lower – will reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Consider a tankless water heater to save even more. Additionally, insulating the tank and hot water pipes can help retain heat and improve efficiency.

6. Install Storm Doors and Windows – Installing a storm door or storm windows can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent by sealing drafts and reducing air flow. They also offer greater flexibility for letting light and ventilation enter your home.

7. Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up – Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.

8. Mind the Thermostats – Most households spend 50 to 70 percent of their energy budgets on heating and cooling. For every degree you lower the thermostat during the heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3 percent of your heating bill. The average family with a programmable thermostat will save $180 a year.

9. Boost Insulation – Insulation is one of the best ways to save energy and money at home. It can make a big difference to add more insulation between walls and on the attic floor. Properly insulating your attic can save you up to 10 percent annually on energy bills. You can also pay less for hot water and decrease the chance of pipes freezing with insulation. Check to see if your pipes are warm to the touch. If they are, get pre-slit pipe foam at any hardware store, cut it to size and fasten it in place with duct tape.

10. Manage Your Fireplaces – Fireplaces can be a source of heat but also a source of heat loss if not managed properly. If you use a fireplace, ensure it is properly sealed when not in use. An open damper can allow warm air to escape up the chimney. Consider installing a fireplace insert or glass doors to improve efficiency and reduce heat loss.

Implementing these strategies can make your home more energy-efficient, keeping you warm and reducing your heating bills this winter. As you prepare for cooler weather, remember that zero-percent interest loans for energy-efficient home improvements like attic insulation are available to Conway Corp customers through its Energy Smart program. All you need to do is provide an estimate from a vendor and apply for the Energy Smart Loan. Once approved, the vendor will verify the need and install your new insulation. Conway Corp then remits payment to the vendor. 

It’s that easy to start saving money with a more energy-efficient home.

Looking for more ways to save this winter? Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart and find energy-saving tips or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit with a Conway Corp certified energy professional.

Beth Jimmerson
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