Save Energy as the Temperatures Decline With These Handy Tips
Shorter days and cooler temperatures are subtle reminders for what’s to come in the months ahead. While you’re preparing your home for the harsh reality of a Cincinnati winter, consider making some additional changes to help conserve energy and lower your monthly heating bill. Here are some great energy saving tips to get you started.
- Adjust thermostat settings. Aim for a set point of 68 degrees when you’re home and awake and set the programmable thermostat several degrees lower for times you’re sleeping or away. You can save approximately 1 percent on your heating bill for each degree that you lower the dial.
- Eliminate air leaks. Keep conditioned air in and cold winter air out by sealing leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulking. Test for leaks on a windy day using a piece of tissue paper on a stick to find drafts.
- Schedule preventive maintenance. Make your appointment in the fall before you turn on the heat for the first time. This will allow you the best flexibility with appointment times and prevent equipment operation while it’s in need of cleaning, repair or lubrication.
- Let the sun shine in. One of the easiest energy saving tips is to open window coverings on south-facing windows during peak daylight hours to allow the sun to warm your interior. Be sure to close them once the sun drops to retain the heat and keep out the cold.
- Optimize airflow. Check supply and return registers to ensure they’re unencumbered by furniture or drapes, opened, and free of dust.
- Inspect the ductwork. A visual evaluation can help locate areas of disconnection or cracks that should be repaired with duct mastic or foil backed tape. In addition to conditioned air escaping, cracks can draw contaminated air in, lowering indoor air quality.
- Turn down the temperature on the water heater. Lower the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy and as a safety measure to prevent scalding.
For more energy saving tips, or for any other HVAC concerns, call the experts at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
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