So, where are you in your solar journey? Considering it but not sure if you want to take the leap yet? As you consider your options, we’d like to offer a few ways to save money on your energy bills this winter. Then, come spring, give us a call to explore the world of solar. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions:
Keep the heat in
There’s no point paying for heat that’s going to escape through the top of your house. Take a ruler into your attic. You should have at least 10 inches of non-flammable insulation in the attic, and four inches in the walls, as well. Not only will you make your home more comfortable in the cold months, it will be cooler in the summer as well, and you’ll hear less outside noise.
Next, check the weather stripping around your windows and doors. If you can see daylight under your doors, you can see where your home heating dollars are going. Head to the hardware store and buy a $10 door sweep and $5 worth of weather stripping to save hundreds in heating bills.
Cover windows and sliding patio doors with clear plastic film. It is barely noticeable if you put it on properly, comes off easily in the spring, costs only a couple of dollars and can save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs.
Now it’s time to check your duct work. If your house has forced-air heating, you could be losing heat, and money, through poor seals at joints and seams. Use mastic sealant or metal tape to ensure your energy dollars go where you want them to. When you do decide to have a solar energy company take your home into the 21st century, better ducts will make your new heating source work better, too.
Program your heating
Don’t waste heat you don’t need. Invest in a programmable thermostat that can turn down the temperature in your house while you’re away at work. Also, set it a couple of degrees lower at night, for a more comfortable sleep and savings at the same time.
Save with better appliances
When time comes to replace appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, look for Energy Star ratings. Energy Star refrigerators use 50 percent less energy than models manufactured only 15 years ago, and 15 percent less than those without the Energy Star ratings. Over a year, this adds up to hundreds off your energy bill.
Your water heater can account for as much as 11 percent of your total energy bill, and more in the winter. When time comes to replace it (which will undoubtedly happen at the worst possible time), look at tankless, solar-powered options from your local solar energy company.
Check your furnace
To avoid having your furnace conk out at the depth of the season’s worst freeze, you need to have your furnace inspected and maintained regularly. A regular inspection and cleaning will help keep your furnace operating efficiently, making the most of your home heating dollar.