Since 2016, a network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities and others have set aside the first Wednesday of October as a day to highlight the benefits of energy efficiency.
With the average cost of home heating expected to be 17.2% higher than last winter, it makes sense for homeowners to start looking for ways to slash energy use and make their homes more efficient. This year, Energy Efficiency Day is on Wednesday, October 5. If you’d like to cut your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient, we’ve got 5 easy things you can do to stop using as much energy and start saving money.
1. Maintain your HVAC System. To maximize the efficiency of your furnace, have it cleaned and serviced annually and replace the filters regularly. But don’t stop there! Ductwork that leaks heated air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars to your heating bill. Wrapping exposed ducts with Foil and Fiberglass Duct Wrap is an easy and cost-effective way to stop heat loss and make sure heated air gets to the rooms that need it. For even greater efficiency, install a programmable thermostat and set it so your home’s temperature is lower when you’re away or asleep.
2. Seal Hidden Air Leaks. The cracks and gaps in the average home are equivalent to leaving a 3-foot by 3-foot window wide open all winter long. Shut the door on this energy loss by:
• Adding caulk or weatherseal around windows, doors, chimneys, and recessed lighting.
• Installing outlet sealers around outlets and light switches on exterior wall.
• Using a draft guard on exterior doors to block cold air.
3. Switch to LED Lights. Save money and energy by replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs—not only do they use up to 90% less energy, LEDs last 25 times longer than old-school bulbs so you will need to replace them much less frequently.
4. Winterize Your Windows. Drafty windows can make heating bills soar. If replacing windows isn’t in the budget right now, you can stop drafts by installing window insulation kits. Frost King’s Indoor Shrink Window Kitsfeature a crystal-clear plastic sheet that shrinks tight and wrinkle free with an ordinary hand-held hairdryer. These energy-smart window insulation kits can be easily installed on metal, painted, varnished wood, or vinyl clad window frames to provide low-cost insulation that reduces heat loss by as much as 35%. Watch our video for easy installation tips:
5. Use Appliances More Efficiently. Home cooks rejoice! It really is more efficient to clean dishes in the dishwasher than to wash them by hand. But there’s a catch—you have to skip heated drying if you want to conserve energy. Instead, turn off the dry cycle and just open the dishwasher drawer at the end of the cycle and let dishes air dry. Laundry day provides another opportunity to save energy. A washing machine uses up to 90% of its energy just heating water. Try washing clothes in cold water, and run full loads whenever possible.
