The air is delightfully crisp today, with a hint of fall. In Central Oregon the temperatures are slowly dropping and all too soon winter weather will be upon us. This is the perfect time of year to assess winter heating and determine ways to conserve energy and cost. The following tips will help homeowners prepare for the cold weather. Some take only minutes, others require purchasing a few supplies.
1) To begin, a home energy audit can be extremely beneficial in determining where your home energy use is inefficient. Some electric or gas companies offer these audits for free, and sometimes government agencies offer heavy rebates. Check with your utility providers for more information.
2) Install a programmable thermostat, then lower temperatures while you are away at work and at night. This can create a 10% reduction in heating costs in one season.
3) Clean or replace your furnace filters. This will help a furnace run more efficiently. Disposable filters cost only a few dollars. Reusable ones can cost up to twenty five dollars.
4) Turn your water heater down. The recommended temperature is 120 degrees, but most water heaters are set high above that. If you have an old water heater, the insulation might be insufficient and you can install a specially designed water heater blanket to maximize efficiency.
5) Caulk and weather-strip your home. Seal any cracks around window frames, light switches, and electrical outlets. Replace old weather-stripping in exterior door frames to create a tight seal.
6) Keep windows covered when dark. This prevents heat from escaping trhough the glass. Open up window coverings—especially ones with southern exposure—during the day to absorb sunlight.
7) Lastly, wear socks around the house. When your feet are cold, the rest of your body gets cold so as a habit, wear socks around your house
Enjoy the winter, and if you are a Central Oregon resident, enjoy the snow!
Sources: money.com, kcc.state.ks.us, realestateinsidernews.com
Comments (46)Subscribe to CommentsComment