From Guest Blogger Mattea Jacobs: How to Beat the Winter Cold in Your Home by Keeping Things Energy Efficient
As much as I love summer, I welcome the winter with open arms as it is that cozy time of year when my family and I can enjoy some quality time indoors and snuggle up with a warm cup of cocoa under the blankets in front of Netflix.
However, before my home was energy efficient, this time of year caused me much discomfort. Physical discomfort came from freezing when turning down the heating to save on electricity, and emotional discomfort came from stressing over the electricity bill after I overdid it with the heat a couple of times.
A home that is not energy efficient will eventually cost a lot more in energy bills over the long run than the upfront cost of some energy-efficient upgrades here and there. I did not make significant upgrades all at once, but over time I ended up with a home that took away almost all my discomforts during this wonderful time of year.
Here are some big and small changes one can make to once home to improve its energy efficiency during the winter, along with some tactics that I used to keep warm without pumping up that heat.
Home Upgrades For the Long Run
Replace High-Energy Appliances with More Efficient Versions
Most heating systems that are over 15 to 20 years old are inefficient by the standards of today. Therefore it is best to consider replacing the old heating system as soon as possible.
Even if you opt for one of the cheaper heating systems, it will be more energy-efficient than some high-end model from years ago. The same rule counts for old stoves, ovens, fridges, and boilers.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great thing to have in the house because it has a climate control system that can achieve optimal temperature at a minimal cost.
The heat can be turned down when no one is at home or when everyone is sleeping, and it will automatically adjust the temperature when needed.
Add an Extra Layer of Insulation in the Attic
Old homes can benefit significantly from insulation upgrades in the attic. If the attic is not sufficiently insulated, one can lose a lot of the hot air, which rises to the top of the house.
Therefore an extra layer of insulation in your roof can lead to enough savings so that homeowners can recoup the installation costs in four or five years.
Besides proper insulation, if you are in the process of installing a new roof, keep in mind that there are plenty of energy-efficient materials on the market. For instance, metal roofs hold many benefits which will ensure comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year.
Install New Doors and Windows
While weather stripping or caulking is a great and inexpensive way to minimize drafts in the home, a window and door upgrade is the best solution. Your interior temperature will be better regulated when you install energy-efficient windows and doors.
Simple Tactics to Remember Everyday
Keep Internal Doors Closed
Most of us do not spend time in every single room in our homes, therefore heating those areas which are not being used are unnecessary.
Keeping the doors closed within the house will trap the heat in each room. This means that you will be using less energy trying to warm up the entire house.
Bring Out the Winter Wear
If you like that new winter sweater you bought, why not use it? There is no need to turn up the heating to maximum when you actually wear your winter clothes to keep you warm.
And if you are going to sit in front of the tv anyway, you might as well do so under blankets, and an extra layer of covers at night will eliminate the need for heating the home while you sleep.
Cook Clever
Oven cooked meals are perfect for the wintertime, so use those extra shelves in the oven to prepare more than one meal at a time. You will be saving energy, and your meals will be sorted for the rest of the week. And remember to open the oven door after using it to help warm up the kitchen.
Heat Up Wisely
Sofas in front of the radiator will absorb all the heat, try moving the heater to another area and never dry your clothes on it.
Homes with high ceilings are usually a pain to heat up, but if you put a shelf over the radiator, you will trap the heat in the middle of the room.
Besides from not heating areas in your home that are not being used, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on energy bills if you turn down the heating by as little as 4 °F.
Use Appliances Appropriately
Since the kids are spending less time outside during the winter, their clothes are less dirty. Therefore it is not always needed to wash the clothes on high. Washing your clothes on a lower temperature will save as much as 90% of the washing machine energy.
Furthermore, simple things like plugging out anything that is not being used can help you save a lot of overtime. Stock up the fridge with food so that it does not use more energy than it is supposed to and change that light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones if you have not done that yet.
Draw the Curtains
Another tactic to use to keep the heat in your house is to get yourself a pair of thermal or thick curtains. Close them on the chilly days to stay cozy and open them when the sun hits the windows to let in the warmth.
DIY Draft Proof
I have already mentioned that investing in energy-efficient windows and doors is a great decision, but if you do not have the budget, then draft proofing these areas is a must.
You can use weatherstripping or caulking around your windows and doors, which are inexpensive and easy to do yourself. Laying down a rug, especially over wooden floors, is an excellent way to get rid of those drafts and make the place feel cozier.
Conclusion
As you can see, eliminating costs on electricity over the winter is not that difficult. One needs to get into the mindset of being energy conscious and make a habit of some of these simple tactics above. However, the wisest decision I have ever made was to upgrade my home to make it more energy-efficient as this was indeed a good investment in the long run. As for my in-laws coming to visit, now that’s another discomfort I still have to deal with this season.
