5 Ways to Save Energy at Home This Winter
As outdoor temperatures begin to plummet, you’re probably wondering what the best plan of action is to keep your house comfortable without having to deal with skyrocketing utility bills.
You’re not alone. In fact, many homeowners deal with this stress on a yearly basis — cutting costs in other categories in order to budget for extra energy costs or finding unique ways to manage suffering in their chilly space.
But isn’t it time to put an end to constantly rekindling the fireplace and wearing five layers of clothing in order to keep your teeth from chattering indoors? Fortunately, there are solutions that can help minimize energy costs and keep you toasty all at once. Let’s explore a few of them below.
5 Ways to Save Energy at Home In Winter
If you’re relying on taking faster showers or eating dinners by candlelight, it’s easy to become uncomfortable and drop your energy-saving initiative altogether. That’s why the best way to save on energy consumption is to install products and systems that consistently do the work for you. While some of these products and systems may come with larger upfront investments, they’ll help you save on utility bills month after month, and year after year — giving you the freedom to live comfortably and however you’d like to, no matter the season.
1. Opt For Energy-Efficient Windows
When it comes to energy savings, windows are one of the products that can give you the most bang for your buck. The right windows will keep heat from escaping, prevent cold drafts from entering, and ensure a lot of natural light within your home.
How do you choose energy-efficient windows? Follow these steps:
- Choose an energy-efficient window frame material – Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are your best options here.
- Determine the optimal number of window panes – In most cases, a double-paned window is best in terms of energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Get energy-efficient window treatments – Explore low-E glazing or insulated glass options (or both!).
- Hire experts to install windows – Proper installation leads to superior functionality. Trust an expert for your installation to enjoy the best results.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors
Your exterior doors keep your home secure and protected from the outside world. Not only does that mean protection against unwanted intruders, but also protection against harsh conditions.
Generally speaking, fiberglass doors are the most energy-efficient exterior doors on the market. They’re manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates against extreme temperatures. They’re also highly durable, protecting against any fading, denting, and rotting that could compromise their weatherproofing abilities.
Even if you’d like an exterior door with a stylish glass panel, there are energy-efficient options for you. Choose an option that includes a low-E glass panel, which comes with a thin, invisible coating that reduces the transfer of energy.
3. Use Energy-Efficient Systems and Appliances
Nowadays, just about every household system and appliance is available in an energy-efficient option. Since appliances can be pricey, you can upgrade in stages. Start by taking some time to think about which ones you should prioritize.
Thinking specifically about winter temperatures, you may get the most reward from a comprehensive, energy-efficient heating and cooling system. However, it’s also possible that your family spends the most on something else like water consumption, meaning you may benefit most from water-saving faucets, showerheads, or toilets.
4. Ensure Your Home Has Sufficient Insulation
For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from its roof down to its foundation. Proper insulation means having insulation in the right places, in the right amounts. Here are some spaces of your home you shouldn’t forget to insulate:
- Attic
- Ducts
- Cathedral ceilings
- Exterior walls
- Basement
- Foundation
If you’re unsure whether your home is properly insulated, there are many contractors who will walk through your home and test it for you. They often identify issues that have been overlooked, then fix them and help homeowners save significant amounts of money each month.
5. Switch to LED Lighting
During the winter season, it’s usually dark outside by early evening. It may even be dark outside during the day sometimes. Because of this, you may find yourself using a lot of additional lighting to do everyday activities.
Try switching out your lightbulbs to something more energy-efficient, like LED bulbs. LED lighting uses up to 85% less electricity than conventional lighting options, all while emitting the same light output, allowing you to keep the lights on without suffering any big financial consequences.
Go Green This Winter with Standard Companies’ Selection of Energy-Efficient Products
If you’re looking for new products and systems to help save energy in your home this winter, check out some of the energy-efficient options at Standard Companies. From weatherproofed doors to energy-efficient windows, we have everything you need for more comfortable, affordable living. Stop into one of our locations or contact us online to learn more.