The heart of winter, with its frigid temps and frequent storms, can be rough on our monthly energy budget. With utility rates increasing as much as 64% in 2023, cutting costs without sacrificing warmth and comfort is a goal for many of us. Revise has 6 tips to help you keep cozy AND save on your energy bills this winter.
Eliminate Drafts
Gaps in windows, doors, and walls can increase your energy use by letting heat escape and cold air enter. These gaps will force your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Seal up windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping and by installing plastic film to cover windows inside to reduce energy leaks to the outside. If new insulation is what you need, the professionals at Revise can install insulation and air sealing at a discount.
Use Natural Light
An easy way to save energy in winter is to leave blinds and curtains open on south-facing windows during daylight hours. Letting sun stream through the windows will warm the room and reduce the burden on your heating system.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats, such as Nest, learn from your heating and cooling patterns and adjust the temperature automatically. You can program them, and you can also modify them from your cellphone when not at home. They are so effective at reducing energy waste that they can reduce heating costs by 10-12%. Revise can help with discounts on smart thermostats and installation; call us to schedule an appointment with a professional.
Maintain Your Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home and use it regularly in the winter, there are steps you can take to save energy. First, remember to keep the damper – the vent that controls airflow – closed when the fire is not burning. Leaving the damper open will let warm air escape through the chimney and allow cold air to enter the home. Also, inspect your damper to ensure it closes properly. If it doesn’t, it’s time to replace it. In addition, remember to sweep out the ashes from your firebox regularly. As little as one-tenth of an inch of soot can reduce the heat output of a fireplace by 50%, decreasing its efficiency.
Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan
Using your ceiling fan in the winter can help save on heating bills. In summer, ceiling fans should be spinning in a counterclockwise direction. This direction pushes cold air down, creating a breeze. However, when the weather gets colder in winter, this should be reversed to a clockwise direction to force warm air back down into the room.
Schedule a Mass Save® No-Cost Home Energy Asessment with Revise
If you want to do even more for your home’s savings this winter, let some of our great energy experts take a look at your home. Our professionals here at Revise make it easy to perform a Mass Save® No-Cost Home Energy Assessment. They ensure that your home is running as optimally as possible, and if not, find personalized ways to make your home do so – all while answering any questions you may have. Through a home energy assessment, we’ll make sure that you and your family stay comfortable throughout the season. For more information on how Revise performs a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment, or to schedule an appointment, call us at 800-885-7283 or visit www.callrevise.com today.
