Winter Home Energy Efficiency Tips!
#1 Seal Leaks and Drafts
One of the main causes of heat loss is the presence of leaks and drafts. By simply adding caulking or weather stripping around your windows and doors, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors, you can save up to 20% on electricity costs.
#2 Invest in Proper Insulation
Is your home properly insulated? Hundreds of dollars in heating costs are lost each year due to escaping heat in homes that aren't insulated properly. By investing in insulation now, you'll be able to save money on energy costs for years to come. Consider having a professional come out and take a look at your insulation to see if it's adequate to keep the heat inside your home this winter.
#3 Adjust the Thermostat
An easy way to decrease your electricity usage is to adjust the thermostat with your schedule. Turn the heat down while you're away at work and turn it back up when you get home. There's no sense in having it running all the time while no one is there. While you don't want to turn it completely off, because it will take longer and make your unit will work harder to get the temperature back up when you get home, you can turn it down a few degrees before leaving the house. Many of the newer thermostats are programmable so you can set the times and not have to remember to change it each day.
#4 Let the Sunshine In
When the sun is shining, you can take advantage of free heat! Open the curtains on your south-facing windows to allow the rays to come in and heat your home. Now we're not saying you can turn your heat completely off and rely on the sun, but you can lower your thermostat a few degrees and let the sun compensate for that.
#5 Maintain Your HVAC
Having a properly working HVAC system is key to energy efficiency. Be sure to replace or clean your filters as recommended. Dirty filters will restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder, which in turn increases energy usage. Consider having your HVAC checked out by a professional before the temperatures drop so you can be sure you'll stay warm this winter. In addition, you also want to make sure your vents are unblocked so they're not restricting airflow and causing your HVAC to work harder.
#6 Have Your Roof Inspected
If your home is in need of roof repairs, heat from inside could easily be escaping through your roof. Not only does this cause an increase in your electric bill, but it can also cause minor roofing issues to turn into major roofing problems. Heat escaping through the roof can lead to ice dams and other water damage risks. Schedule your free roof inspection at the Lake of the Ozarks today!
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