8 Ways To Make Your House Energy Efficient This Winter

Here are 8 detailed ways to make your house energy efficient this winter, helping you save on energy bills and stay warm:

1. Seal Gaps, Cracks, and Leaks

• Why: Small gaps in windows, doors, walls, and around pipes can lead to heat loss, making your heating system work harder and consume more energy.
• How: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps, especially around window frames, doors, and external walls. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows and apply caulking to seal cracks and leaks in walls and ceilings. Pay special attention to places where utilities enter your home (like pipes and wiring) to prevent drafts.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

• Why: Older windows may let in cold air and let warm air escape, reducing heating efficiency.
• How: Consider installing double-glazed or energy-efficient windows that are designed to trap heat inside your home. For a more budget-friendly solution, you can apply window insulation film or use thermal curtains to minimize heat loss through windows.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

• Why: A programmable thermostat helps regulate the temperature in your home efficiently, ensuring you use energy only when necessary.
• How: Set a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home, and raise it when you’re back. Smart thermostats can learn your routine and adjust temperatures accordingly. This can help cut energy bills by as much as 10-12%.

4. Insulate Your Home Properly

• Why: Good insulation acts as a barrier, keeping warm air inside and preventing cold air from infiltrating.
• How: Ensure that your attic, walls, and floors are properly insulated. Blown-in or spray foam insulation can fill gaps in walls and attics, while rigid foam insulation can be applied to walls and floors for extra warmth. Even adding extra insulation to your attic can make a huge difference in reducing heat loss.

5. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Heating System

• Why: Heating systems account for a significant portion of energy use in the winter. Older systems can be inefficient, costing you more money over time.
• How: If your heating system is more than 10-15 years old, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump. Look for systems with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating or Energy Star certification to maximize energy savings.

6. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air

• Why: Hot air naturally rises, which can leave your living space colder if the warm air isn’t circulated properly.
• How: Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed in winter. This pushes warm air from the ceiling back down into the room, helping to maintain a consistent temperature. This simple adjustment can reduce your heating needs.

7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

• Why: Winter often means more time spent indoors with the lights on, increasing your energy consumption.
• How: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last much longer. Also, make use of motion sensors or timers to automatically turn off lights in rooms that aren’t frequently used.

8. Service and Maintain Your HVAC System

• Why: A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and can help prevent costly repairs or breakdowns during the winter months.
• How: Schedule regular HVAC maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper airflow. Cleaning the furnace, inspecting ductwork for any leaks, and testing the system’s efficiency will keep it running at its best all winter long.

Bonus Tip: Use Rugs and Heavy Curtains

• Why: Cold floors and drafts from windows can make a room feel colder than it actually is.
• How: Place area rugs on bare floors to add warmth and prevent heat loss through the floor. Similarly, install thermal or insulated curtains to block drafts from windows.

Implementing these strategies can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on your heating bills this winter!

Kirk Booher, Onguards