Fall into Energy Savings: Smart Tips for a Cozier Home

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm and comfortable, without seeing a spike in your energy bills. Fall offers a great opportunity to make simple, cost-effective changes that can lead to significant savings before winter sets in. These practical tips will help you stay cozy, reduce your energy costs, and boost your home’s overall efficiency.

Seal Air Leaks and Insulate

Drafts around windows, doors, and attics can let warm air escape and cold air in, forcing your heating system to work overtime. Here’s what you can do:

• Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to improve heat retention
• Install door sweeps to block drafts at the bottom of exterior doors

Don’t forget to check for leaks around outlets and light switches; foam gaskets are an easy fix.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Heating can account for nearly half of your home’s energy use during the colder months, so setting your thermostat strategically can make a big difference. For optimal comfort and savings, try setting your thermostat to 68°F while you’re home and awake. Lowering it by 7-10°F when you’re asleep or away can help you save up to 10% annually on heating costs.

Using a programmable or smart thermostat makes it easy to automate these adjustments, ensuring your home stays comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency.

Maintain Your Heating System

A well-maintained heating system not only runs more efficiently but can also extend the life of your equipment. Here’s what you can do:

• Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up before the cold weather sets in
• Replace furnace filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper airflow
• Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture, rugs, and dust to allow heat to circulate effectively

Tip: Ask your technician about energy-efficient upgrades or available rebates that could help lower your energy costs even further.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer; they can help keep your home warmer in the colder months, too. This fall, set your fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This gentle motion pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room, improving comfort without cranking up the heat.

Using ceiling fans in frequently used rooms can make a noticeable difference. Just remember to turn them off when the room is empty to avoid unnecessary energy use.

Maximize Natural Light

Sunlight is a free and effective way to warm your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting. During the day, open curtains and blinds, especially on south-facing windows, to let in as much natural light as possible. In the evening, close them to help retain heat and keep the chill out.

Tip: Consider using thermal or insulated curtains for added energy efficiency.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Did you know that heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used during a wash cycle? Switching to cold water is a simple way to cut energy use without sacrificing cleaning power. For best results, use high-efficiency detergents specifically designed for cold water.

Unplug What You’re Not Using

Electronics and appliances draw power even when they’re turned off. You can avoid these phantom loads by unplugging devices you don’t use regularly, using power strips to disconnect multiple items at once, and enabling energy-saving settings on electronics.

Your Energy-Efficient Fall Starts Here

This season is a great time to take control of your home’s energy use before winter arrives. These small changes can lead to big savings and a more comfortable, efficient home. Whether you’re sealing up drafts or adjusting your thermostat, every step you take helps reduce your energy footprint and your monthly bills.

You can also protect your home from higher utility bills this fall by enrolling in a fixed-price plan from a supplier, like AEP Energy, for your electricity supply. Check out our plans here.

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