Cold Weather Energy Conservation Tips
Cold winter nights are just around the corner in the Hudson Valley.
For many people, that means higher energy bills – especially if you have an older furnace or boiler (if your heating system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start considering an upgrade – today’s high efficiency models would quickly pay for themselves by saving you 20 to 30 percent on your energy bills).
But even the best equipment has a limit to how much money it can save you – much of your heating system performance comes down to just plain being smarter. Here are six inexpensive ways to help you save energy this winter.
- Don’t heat an empty house – Install an economical programmable thermostat to lower temperatures when no one is home.
- Weatherize – Air leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars in energy bills every year. For a minimal investment, you can seal your windows, doors, electrical outlets, and more.
- Keep filters clean – If you have a forced air system, keeping your furnace filter clean to save you up to 5 percent on your bill heating bill.
- Insulate pipes – Minimize heat loss by insulating hot water pipes in untreated areas of your home, including attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Take advantage of the greenhouse effect – Keep windows open to absorb “free” heat from the sun during the day, and then keep that heat from escaping by closing curtains at night.
- Close your fireplace damper when not in use – An open fireplace damper loses as much heat as an open window; close it when you’re not using your fireplace.
- Don’t block heating elements – Keep your baseboard heaters, radiators, and heat registers clear from furniture, drapery or rugs so hot air can flow more easily into the room.
Stay warm and be smart this winter! Call Black Bear for heating service or for a FREE estimate on a new heating system for your home!