During this period of economic recovery homeowners are doing everything they can to reduce their energy consumption. Reducing your monthly utility bills is a great way to cut costs, address environmental concerns, and become more comfortable in your home.
Ways to Save Energy in your Home:
Install a Programmable Thermostat:
This is one of the best opportunities to save energy in your home. A programmable thermostat works to regulate temperature so that when you are away from the home the system is running at a reduced capacity. One of our best thermostats is the Lennox iComfort Thermostat. It even has an Apple app to allow for remote control! Check out the details HERE.
Windows:
Have you installed plastic over your windows? During the winter months, it is advisable to add a plastic film over windows to trap a layer of air between the plastic and window. This offers an insulating value thus helping to save energy (especially on older windows). These plastic kits are available at most hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowes.
Doors:
Have you added weather stripping around your doors? Cold air has a way of finding its way into your home, and under or around doors is a common place to loose heat. Weather stripping helps to fill the gap stopping the cold air from entering your home.
Fireplace:
One place a lot of homeowners overlook is the wood burning fireplace. Do you have a fireplace damper? When you are not burning a fire, ensure that the damper is completely closed. You could be bringing in cold air right down the chimney.
Light Bulbs:
Don’t forget to replace your old light bulbs with new energy efficient models. This will help to reduce the cost of lighting in your home.
Ensure that you are changing your furnace filter regularly. A clogged furnace filter causes your system to run at a higher capacity. This not only leads to higher utility bills, but also can result in a damaged heating system.
Furnace Efficiency:
A new furnace offers technology that can greatly reduce the cost of heating your home. Variable speed units run at different speeds depending on the system demand resulting in a more consistent temperature, greater control over humidity levels, and efficient heating. Want to calculate potential energy savings? Check out the Lennox Energy Savings Calculator.
We are always looking for more tips to pass on to our customers. Have a tip? Please post it on our Facebook page! We would love to hear from you.
