All of these steps are simple and low cost. Since Minnesota winters are so long, every little bit counts when it comes to saving on heating bills. There are many different ways to cut back on energy use this winter to lower your energy use and utility bills. Make some or all of the following changes to improve the energy savings of your home this winter:
- Rearrange furniture so that it sits against interior walls. This will eliminate the feel of drafts while sitting at home, preventing the need to turn the thermostat as high.
- Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow natural sunlight and heat into the house.
- Avoid wasting energy by making small adjustments to your electricity practices, such as turning off lights when not in a room, keeping the fireplace damper closed when not in use, and turning off exhaust fans after a few minutes.
- Unplug unused appliances at night. Your computer, toaster, coffeemaker, TV, gaming systems and other electronics use electricity even when switched off. Unplug the units to prevent energy consumption.
- Seal all leaks leading into your home. Plug cracks around walls, leaks around doors, windows, plumbing and electrical connections.
- Add additional insulation to your water heater, ductwork or furnace. Adding additional insulation can help make your unit more energy-efficient and prevent energy loss.
- Seal your ducts with foil tape and mastic. Remove any blocks from the duct vents to allow proper airflow.
- Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home. You can save a significant amount on your heating bill by lowering the temperature 10 degrees at night and while you are away from the house.
- Keep the efficiency of your furnace up by having a professional inspect and repair the unit once a year. Change the filters once a year to maintain top efficiency.
For other energy savings methods or other HVAC questions in the Twin Cities area, contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re here to help!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!