The cold weather months are here! If the weather this past year has taught us anything, it’s to expect some wild temperature swings and challenging conditions. As we move into 2024, let’s resolve to make our homes as winter-proof and energy efficient as possible – and keep those dreaded costs down.
1. Keep the Cold Out & the Heat In
Insulation is one of the best ways to give your home an energy efficiency boost. Add insulation to areas such as attics, basements and wall cavities, and ensure that your vents, windows and doors are well sealed. This will prevent hot air from escaping and cold air from seeping in. If you have the budget, consider upgrading your windows and doors to more efficient models; adding secondary glazing can be a more budget-friendly option. Thick curtains, rugs, blinds, fireplace plugs and even door stoppers can help keep the cold out and the warmth in.
2. Switch to a Schedule
Temperatures change throughout the day, and your system should adjust accordingly. Smart systems that run on a schedule or that can be adjusted depending on whether or not you’re at home can be a major cost saver. Review your thermostat settings during the day and at night and see if you can comfortably adjust them to more budget-friendly numbers. Even a few degrees can make a big difference to your budget without compromising your comfort.
3. Make the Most of Zones
Most of us have more house than we actually use – which means that we’re paying to heat rooms that we might not even set foot in! A zoned HVAC system or one that uses mini-split devices in lesser-used rooms can help you boost your energy efficiency by only heating the spaces you spend time in.
4. Clean our Filters and Ducts
Changing out your filters and cleaning your system’s ductwork is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your air clean and the system working right. It won’t necessarily increase energy efficiency, however, it will prevent your system from working too hard and therefore allow it to last longer.
5. Insulation Yourself!
A simple (and cozy) way to make your home more energy efficient when it’s cold is to insulate yourself. Treat yourself to some thick socks, indoor slippers, scarves and warm hats or beanies. A onesie or thick blanket can also go a long way when you’re watching TV or reading, and a winter-rated comforter on the bed will keep you snug at night. The more snug you keep yourself, the less your HVAC will have to work to keep you warm!
6. Don’t Turn off Your System
It may seem counterintuitive, but in extremely cold weather, it’s a bad idea to turn off your system. Heading out on vacation? Keep your system on but at lower temperatures than if you were at home. This will prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting while you’re away. If you have pipes that are exposed to the elements or that are in cooler areas such as basements, add additional insulation to these or keep small heaters running in these spaces to prevent frozen pipes. Don’t leave them unattended!
7. Make the Most of Sunny Days
If the sun is shining, make the most of the subsequent warmth! Open the curtains or blinds to make the most of morning or evening sun, and let the sun in as much as possible on sunny days. Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on low to push warm air down and keep you feeling comfortable. On cloudy days or when the sun goes down, close your blinds to keep warm air inside.
8. Monitor Your Appliance Usage
We tend to spend more time at home – and more time entertaining! – during the winter, which can lead to increased energy consumption. Use smaller appliances where possible, choose energy-friendly holiday lights, and plan larger tasks such as doing a load of dishes or laundry so that you’re doing a full load and not a partial one. Try to wash clothes using cold water instead of hot, and air dry smaller garments over vents if you can. (Protip: turning down the temperature of your water heater a few degrees can help reduce energy usage while also preventing potential scalding.) If you’re shopping for new large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers or washer/dryers, look for energy efficient ones.
9. Check Your Humidifier
Humidifiers help maintain appropriate levels of humidity in the air, keeping your air quality healthy and making your home feel more livable. But like any HVAC-related equipment, humidifiers require regular maintenance. Change out your water filters annually, and thoroughly clean and dry your humidifier’s water tank to avoid spread mold spores. If you have wood floors in your home, a humidifier can prevent them from shrinking and cracking due to dry air.
10. Service your Furnace
Book a service for your heating system to ensure that things are running as they should be. Your HVAC company may recommend maintenance or part replacements, and can also make recommendations about the functioning of your system more generally. A well-running system is a cost-efficient one, so avoid deferring that maintenance.
11. Update your Furnace
If you’re running an older model, chances are that it’s not running at maximum efficiency. Even if it is, it’s probably less efficient than newer models. Investing in a new system can be expensive, but when you weigh the impact on your power bill over time, it can easily pay for itself.
12. Get Some Expert Advice
You’ve probably already performed a DIY home energy assessment to help you pinpoint issues and prioritize action points. For a more thorough review of your options, talk to a professional. With over 100 years of HVAC industry experience within the team of HVAC professionals, Shaw Services can help with new system installation, maintenance and repair, water heaters and indoor air quality control. Contact us to see how we can help make your home more energy-efficient this winter.