The trees are beginning to change their colors, and the nights are starting to get a bit cooler. Fall is right around the corner – can you smell the pumpkin pie? With all of the upcoming festivities of the harvest season, here are some tips for keeping your home comfortable and cozy for you and your guests.
Get your Heating System Inspected
It has probably been a while since your heating system has been run, maybe even the end of last winter. In that time dust accumulates, things break while exposed to the elements, and parts can begin to need maintenance. It is always a good idea to have your system inspected and repaired before beginning to regularly run it again. Heating systems see their heaviest use in winter, and fall is generally a good practice run before marathon. It is better to catch small problems early and while the weather is still comfortable, than wait until they become big problems later and its freezing outside.
Seal any leaky windows or doors
Cold air leaking into your warm home is a system efficiency killer. Check around your home for leaky windows and doors and fill any cracks you find with caulk. All the tools you need to fix up cold air leaks can be bought for less than $20.00 from your local hardware store, and filling these leaks could save you that much on utilities within a single season. Covering windows also reduces the cold airflow into your home. Consider investing in window insulation film, or for a more cost effective method cover the windows with heavy curtains or blankets.
Let The Sunshine in
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun to warm up your home. Many fall days are a fantastic combination of sunny weather and cool temperatures. By opening all your curtains during the day then closing them at night you can capture the heat of the sun and lower your monthly bills.
A Smart Thermostat Can Save you Money
Monitor and adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere in the world with a wireless, programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats help you save money on your heating and cooling costs by striking the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency! Air One recommends the Honeywell’s FocusPRO® 6000 which offers the perfect blend of features, performance. energy savings and value. For maximum efficiency, it’s recommended that you set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are at home and awake. Then, when you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down 10 – 15 degrees. This can save you around 10% per year on your utility bills.
Learn more about smart thermostats
Energy Savings are Hiding in Every Room
Once you start looking at your home with energy savings in mind, the opportunities start to appear in every room. Turning off lights when you leave a room is a great way to reduce your bills. Likewise installing light dimmers will shave a few dollars off your utilities. You can also change out traditional florescent blubs for LED or CFL blubs. These newer styles of bulbs are not only more environmentally friendlym but also more cost efficient both in terms of blub lifespan AND energy usage over that lifespan.
