November is a great time to winterize your home. Going through your home every season to identify inefficiencies can help you save money and be warmer this winter.
Inefficient homes lead to increased electric use and higher bills. Not only will some easy home improvements help save you money, but they could also improve the comfort of your home.
A brief self-audit of your home could help identify issues that you can correct.
Windows
Checking your windows is a great place to start. Unsealed windows can create drafts in your home that may let cold air in. 1 way to check to see if your windows are drafty is to hold a candle up to the edges of your window on a windy day. If the flame flickers, that is a sign that cold air may be leaking in.
Make sure all the seals around windows that can open are still in place and in good working order. Also, inspect and replace any worn or cracked caulking inside and outside of the window frame. These can get weathered and worn over time and are an easy, inexpensive fix to help make your home more energy efficient.
Doors
Check the doors to the outside for drafts. The seal around your door can become worn, aged and weathered, and it is an affordable fix. Weatherstripping provides a barrier that keeps your house insulated against cold temperatures.
Water Heaters
It is important that your water heater temperature is set to be as efficient as possible. It should be set between 120 degrees to 125 degrees. Also, make sure the tank is properly insulated, either in an insulated closet, inside the home or covered with a special water heater blanket in an uninsulated space, such as the garage.
Heating
Heating can account for a large portion of your electric bill. To ensure your central air is running at its best, keep it wellmaintained. Make sure to change your air filters regularly. This keeps dust from running through your system. Also, experts recommend having your heating, ventilation and air conditioning serviced once a year to keep it running smoothly.
Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter is recommended. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can also turn it down even more when you are scheduled to be away from home. Essentially, the more you turn down your thermostat, the more you can reduce energy use.
Monitor Your Use With SmartHub
Valley Electric’s SmartHub app is an effective tool to help monitor your use. Members can log on and navigate to the “Usage” tab to see their consumption. It can be broken down into hourly, daily, or monthly use. This tool is an effective way to compare which conservation practices work best for your household.
Even though going through your home may seem to be a daunting task, weatherizing can be an important step in being efficient this winter. Make a to-do list and prioritize the repairs you need. Then accomplish them 1 by 1 and sit back the rest of winter in a warm, energy-efficient home.