Money Saving Tips

Conserve Energy and Save Money

Has winter brought higher energy bills to your home? Are you finding it difficult to keep your home comfortable without driving up your energy costs? We've created our list of six ways to save energy and money this winter.

1. Harness the Power of the Sun

On a sunny day, open your blinds to let the sunshine in, but only on south-facing windows. The sun streaming in the windows will provide natural heat for your home. Keep in mind that you should close the curtains or blinds when the sun is not streaming in to keep the heat inside.

2. Lower the Thermostat at Night

Add an extra blanket to your bed and lower the thermostat when you go to sleep. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save an average of 10 percent per year on heating costs if you adjust your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees at night. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to warm the house back up in time for your morning alarm, so you won't even notice the difference until your lower bills start to arrive.

3. Pay Attention to Furnace Maintenance

Have you had your furnace checked this season? Ensuring that it is clean and fully functional is an important part of keeping your home warm while saving energy. Also, make sure all vents and the furnace itself are clear from items blocking the path of air.

4. Pay Attention to the Water Heater

When was the last time you checked your water heater? Make sure it is set to a comfortable, but not-too-hot, setting of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water heating costs can drive up your monthly gas bills significantly, and most homeowners forget to check this particular cost.

5. Seal Up the House

If you have not already winterized your home, one of the best energy savings tips you can embrace is to look for leaks and drafts and seal them up. Caulk and add weather stripping around doors and windows and even insulation film on particularly drafty windows can help keep your heated air where it needs to be - in your home!

6. Insulate the Ductwork

Your ducts could be losing energy without your knowledge before it can be used to heat your home. Leaks in ducts are the first culprit, but also ductwork in cold areas of the home, like the basement, can be a problem too. Consider adding insulation after you have sealed the ducts to ensure that you are not losing heating energy through the ducts.

Winter is here, and the cold weather it brings. With these energy savings tips you can keep your Washington home warm and comfortable without driving up your heating bills tood. If you are considering starting the search for a new home, winter is a great time to start because there are fewer interested buyers, and therefore less competition. Contact our team at SheriGoldman.com for help.