Winter Energy Saving Tips

Now that summer is in the rear view mirror, we can all relax and enjoy low energy bills for a few months, right? Wrong! If you think you’re going to get a break on your winter energy bills and not have to take steps to keep your bills down, then you’re going to be in for an unfortunate surprise.

Winter’s heating bills can be just as high as summer’s cooling bills, especially when the winter is especially cold and icy, like this year’s winter is predicted to be. Therefore, knowing how to save energy in the winter is crucial for keeping your bills under control. Here are some winter energy savings tips from Trinity Custom Homes in Georgia to help you get started.

Do a Home Energy Audit

As the seasons start turning cooler, now is the time you’ll want to do a home energy audit. This involves determining how much energy your home uses and where it is losing energy. Go room by room and look for any areas where air can escape, such as through torn or missing caulk around the windows. When you find a potential air leak, seal it or have it repaired.

Common leaks include where plumbing, gas, or other utilities enter the home; around the entry door, and throughout the home’s ductwork. You can resolve these issues by using spray foam insulation to fill in gaps around pipes, install new weather-stripping around your door, and sealing any duct leaks with mastic.

Weatherize Your Windows

Windows are the most common culprits when it comes to lost energy. Therefore, you need to weatherize them for winter by replacing any old or missing caulk. If you have older windows, then you can seal them using clear plastic film or sheeting. The film needs to be sealed tight in order for it to work as expected. You’ll also want to replace your light, airy summer curtains with heavy, insulating drapes for the winter. The thick fabric will serve as a barrier to keep the cold air from getting into the room.

Manage Your Thermostat

If you set your thermostat at 74 degrees and leave it at that temperature all day and night, then you’re wasting a lot of energy. When you’re home and awake, set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible. When you go to bed or leave the house, turn your thermostat down by 10 to 15 degrees. Using a programmable thermostat will allow you to put your thermostat on autopilot. By properly managing your thermostat, you can cut your energy costs by ten percent.

Manage Your Water Heater

Did you know that your water heater accounts for almost 20 percent of the energy used by your home? If you scald your hands every time you turn the hot water on, then you are wasting a lot of energy every year. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees and you’ll still enjoy perfectly hot water and some energy savings.

While you’re turning down your water heater, you should also check your plumbing pipes. If your water heater is located in an uninsulated part of the home, like the basement, then you should wrap all of your exposed pipes with pipe insulation. This will help reduce heat loss and lower the risk of your pipes freezing.

Manage Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, then you need to keep your damper closed whenever you’re not using it. This will help prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney when it’s not in use. If you have a chimney but you don’t use it, then you should plug and seal the chimney flue to prevent air loss.

Have Your HVAC System Serviced

Your HVAC system is a workhorse. It has to cool your home in the summer and warm it in the winter so it rarely gets a break. Therefore, you need to give it the care it needs. Have your system inspected and serviced between summer and winter to ensure it is in peak operating condition. This will help ensure your home is comfortable and your bills are as low as possible all winter long.

Decorate with LEDs for the Holidays

Christmas decorations and lights are mega-energy eaters, especially when they’re on for a month or more. But, your bills don’t have to be as high as they usually are this holiday season. Just get rid of your old heat-producing holiday lights and instead decorate your home and tree with newer LED lights. LED (light emitting diode) lights run cooler, last longer, and use less energy.

Want a New Home Built Just for You? Call Trinity Custom Homes in Georgia

Trinity Custom Homes in Georgia has a long history of building high quality homes and for satisfying our clients. We use the very latest in building and construction technology and materials, including green building materials, and this goes a long way toward helping you enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable home all year round.

If you’re looking for a trusted builder in Georgia, Trinity Custom Homes is here for you. We want to help get the home you have always wanted. Give us a call today at 888-818-0278 and let us show you what we can do.