Fall Is Here: Quick Ways To Save Money On Energy For Your Home and Office

Spend the Extra on Halloween Candy or a New Wool Sweater; You Can Thank Your Thermostat Later

Thank goodness, it’s finally here. The dog days of summer and the sweaty weather of late August and even September seem to have dissipated in favor of cooler nights and foggy mornings. While the sun is still shining most days, even the leaves are changing in a pale approximation of New England’s seasonal color.

And what better way to celebrate the season than with some sensible energy saving tips? Take a look at these easy suggestions that will make a big difference every month when it comes to your energy costs.

Here Comes the Sun

Make sure any curtains or shutters covering your south-facing windows are open to heat your home naturally throughout the day. Accordingly, make sure to shut them in the evenings to block out any cold air coming in.

Also, inspect each window in your home for drafts. You’d be amazed how much energy a loose or old window frame can waste on a daily basis, letting warm air escape and cold air inside. Don’t have the money for a lot of home repairs? Consider using even clear plastic film taped around the inside of your window frames to reduce drafts during the winter. And surprise: this will help keep cool air inside during the summer months, too.

For even more energy savings, think about investing in insulated curtains or drapes for your home. Certain design companies manufacture stylish, energy efficient window coverings available at almost the same prices as regular curtains or drapes. Check them out!

Get To Know Your Thermostat

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the thermostat is your secret weapon when it comes to saving money on energy costs. On a cold day, just make sure to set the temp as low as possible when you plan to be out of the house. Even reducing the temperature by just 10-15 degrees for 8 hours out of the day will result in a 10% reduction in your monthly energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Too busy in the mornings to remember? Consider a programmable thermostat to set your ambient temperature schedule ahead of time.

Fireplace Friendly Energy Bills

Nothing embodies the spirit of the season more than a crackling fire in the fireplace. Nevertheless, remember to keep the damper closed when you’re not using it (and open when you are). The damper is like a window. If you’re running the furnace with it open, you’re letting all that warm air escape right up the chimney. Moreover, make sure to lower the thermostat when you have the fireplace going, since all that warm air won’t be needed.

Never use your fireplace? Consider sealing up the chimney flue altogether to prevent unnecessary drafts.

Follow these suggestions and you’ll notice an immediate change to your utility bills. Use the extra money for things like candy corn or caramel apples, a new fall sweater or heck, maybe just getting your car detailed. Whatever you decide, who doesn’t want some more money in their pocket? Enjoy the season, and the savings!

 

Need help winterizing your home? Give Air-Tro a call. Our experienced professionals can help you save energy and keep you comfortable throughout the year. Get in touch today at (626) 357-3535.