There are plenty of cold spells that blow through the Sunshine State throughout the winter season. Here are our top 7 tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency this winter.
When the warm 80+ degree weather blows away by a few chilly wind gusts, how does your utility bill handle the change? Fortunately, in Florida, the harshest season on HVAC systems is in the summer, but that doesn’t mean your utility bills will be less expensive in the winter months.
Understanding how to best navigate your thermostat and other areas of your home will help you maintain and reduce those energy costs in summer months and on chilly winter nights.
“Heating and cooling your home account for the largest portions (54%) of your utility bills...you lose 25% of heating through your windows and doors.”- Green Home Gnome
Top 7 Energy Efficiency Winter Tips for Your Home
The following are seven tips for your home to help keep you and your family warm this winter without jacking up your electric bill.
Tip #1: Adjust Your Thermostat
Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees during the daytime to help save up to 5% on your heating costs.
Tip #2: Check Your Air Filters
Check that your air filters are clean so they don’t overwork your heating unit and cause a spike in your energy bills.
Tip #3: Use an Energy Efficient Space Heater
Using an energy efficient space heater instead of your heating unit can reduce your heating costs.
Tip #4: Replace Your Windows
Replacing your outdated windows with impact glass windows increases your home’s circulation and reduces your energy bills without having to overuse your heating unit.
“If you are planning to replace your windows, choosing ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent.” - Consumer Energy Center
Tip #5: Update Your Appliances
Update any gas appliances with ENERGY STAR® solutions.
Tip #6: LED Christmas Lights
Swap out your old Christmas lights with LED lighting decor.
Tip #7: Close Your Window Coverings
Minimize the chill in your home by closing your blinds and/or curtains at night or when the cool air is stronger than the sun’s rays.
Is Your Home’s Energy Efficiency Ready for Winter?
There are several more tips and tricks to maximize your home’s energy efficiency this winter and reduce your energy costs all year round, such as replacing your windows and doors with high-performance solutions.
To learn more about how these installations positively affect your home’s energy efficiency, click the button below to download The Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Efficient Windows.
