As winter tightens its grip with blustering winds and below-freezing temperatures, keeping your space warm without breaking the bank can be challenging. Knowing the right energy-saving tips can help you save money and stay comfortable whether you’re a homeowner or business operator. Here’s your comprehensive guide to winter energy efficiency.
Universal Energy-Saving Strategies
Practice smart temperature management. Although it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat during the winter, setting it to 68°F can mean big cost savings. According to the California Energy Commission, for every degree lower in the 60- to 70-degree range, you could save up to 5% on heating costs. For even greater savings, consider lowering the temperature by 7-10°F for eight hours daily, which could cut your annual energy bill by 10%. Keep your heat no lower than 55°F during the winter to avoid frozen pipes.
Maintain your HVAC. Routine checkups for your heating and cooling system are important for optimal performance. Clogged air ducts, dirty filters, and malfunctioning parts can drastically increase winter utility costs. Check and replace central heating filters monthly, or at minimum, every three months.
Prevent heat loss. You could lose a lot of money on heating if your windows and doors aren’t well insulated. To test this, hold a lit match or a stick of incense near your window or door frame. If it flickers, you’re losing valuable heat. There are many short- and long-term fixes for drafty windows and doors, including replacing or adding new weatherstripping, getting a window draft stopper, caulking gaps, and covering windows with an insulating film.
Switch to LED lights. Long, dark nights mean increased usage of lights. Use up to 90% less energy by switching to energy-efficient LEDs, which last 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Sensors, dimmers, or timers on lights can also help reduce lighting use.
Unblock vents. It takes more energy to pump air into a space where the vents are blocked. Carefully move dead leaves, tall grasses, snow, and other blockages away from your vents.
Choose an affordable energy provider. Your energy provider has the biggest impact on your overall energy costs this winter. Switch to UGI EnergyLink and save!
For Homes:
Save money on water. Water heating accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use. Set your water heater to 120°F and consider installing faucet aerators and efficient-flow showerheads. Insulating your water heater and pipes helps retain heat and reduce energy waste.
Use ceiling fans. While you may think of ceiling fans as a summer tool to combat heat, they can also be used during the winter to circulate warm air below the fan. To do this, reverse the fan motor so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. The fan won’t change the room’s temperature, but it will help keep you warm. Remember to turn it off when no one is in the room.
Insulate your attic. Did you know that 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated? An under-insulated attic will allow heat to go through your home’s ceiling, past the roof, and into the atmosphere. If you have less than 12 inches of attic insulation, you probably need more.
Make your fireplace efficient. On average, 80-90% of the heat from a wood-burning fireplace is lost up the chimney. To make your fireplace more energy efficient, keep the damper closed, use a cast iron fireback, install tempered glass doors, and clean your chimney annually. If you don’t use your fireplace, plug and seal your chimney to prevent airflow.
Let the sun in. The sun is a free, natural way to heat up and light your home. Open curtains during the day to allow sunlight in. Close curtains at night to keep heat in and reduce the chill from cold windows.
For Businesses:
Use motion sensors. Installing motion sensors in less-frequently used areas ensures that lights and equipment are only active when necessary.
Shut down electronics. Create and implement a shutdown protocol for electronics during non-business hours to eliminate unnecessary power draw (phantom loads).
Encourage employee awareness. Getting employees on board with your energy initiatives is crucial for successful energy management. Develop and communicate clear energy-saving guidelines and consider creating an incentive program for staff who contribute to reducing energy consumption.
Perform an energy audit. A professional energy audit can reveal hidden energy drains and offer clear recommendations for improvement in your building.
By following these tips, you can keep warm while remaining energy efficient this winter season. Even small changes can lead to significant savings over time! A well-maintained heating system, paired with thoughtful energy practices, is your best defense against winter energy waste. For more ways to save money on energy, contact the experts at UGI EnergyLink today.