Weatherization & Efficiency Upgrades Mean Lower Bills, More Comfort
Heating and cooling your home accounts for nearly 50% of yearly energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Preparing your home for winter weather can make your home more comfortable and save you money.
Consider these tips:
Windows
Don’t overlook your home’s windows when preparing for colder temperatures. Heat loss through windows can be responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Finding and fixing air leaks can significantly reduce heat loss. If your current windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save on energy costs.
There are several ways to improve the efficiency of your existing windows:
- Check existing windows for air leaks
- Use caulk and weatherstripping
- Add energy-efficient window coverings
- Add storm windows or panels
- Add solar control film
- Add exterior shading, such as awnings, exterior blinds, or overhangs
With any efficiency improvements, take steps to ensure proper installation and check for air leaks again after the project.
Insulation
Adding insulation to an uninsulated area can help consumers save big on their utility bills. Having appropriate insulation based on such factors as climate, size, and condition of the home can save homeowners an average of 15% on their electricity bills.
Invite the Sun In
While it may feel like the sun abandons us during winter, opening curtains and blinds on west- and south-facing windows during the day allows sunlight to heat your home and can save 2% to 12% on heating costs.
HVAC System
Regular maintenance on your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system or heat pump—including cleaning and replacing filters—helps your equipment run more efficiently.
Adding a smart thermostat to your system can also help you control costs. Program the thermostat to 65 to 68 degrees during the day. Lower it to 58 to 60 degrees while you’re asleep or away.
If your home uses a heat pump, turn the thermostat down no more than 3 degrees at night.
Additional Weatherization Tips
Keep these in mind for stick-built homes:
- Close fireplace flues tightly when not in use.
- Inspect and replace door sweeps if worn.
- Install weatherstripping on windows and doors.
- Apply caulk around window and door frames as needed.
- Install electrical outlet/switch gaskets on exterior walls.
- Cover foundation vents with insulating vent covers, such as Styrofoam plugs.
- Use heavy-duty plastic window insulation film on single-pane windows.
Seal attic access doors, and ensure they are insulated. - Air-seal gaps in attics, crawl spaces, or basements using caulk or foam sealant.
- Add insulation to your attic hatch, and check soffit vents for proper airflow.
- Upgrade HVAC to a heat pump system.
- Upgrade single-pane windows to double-pane.
Keep these in mind for manufactured homes:
- Close fireplace flues tightly when not in use.
- Inspect and replace door sweeps if worn.
- Install weatherstripping on windows and doors.
Apply caulk around window and door frames as needed. - Install electrical outlet and switch gaskets on exterior walls.
- Cover foundation vents with insulating vent covers, such as Styrofoam plugs.
- Use heavy-duty plastic window insulation film on single-pane windows.
- Air-seal marriage joints where sections meet, and on windows and doors.
- Seal and repair ductwork, especially crossover ducts under the home.
Improve underbelly insulation and install a moisture barrier. Protect with skirting. - Add attic insulation if accessible.
- Upgrade HVAC to a heat pump system.
- Upgrade single-pane windows to double-pane.
Rebates
You may qualify to receive energy efficiency rebates when you weatherize or upgrade insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and more. Contact Idaho County Light & Power for more information.
The more energy efficient your home is, the less money you need to spend to keep it comfortable, especially in the cold winter months.
Taking a few simple steps now can help you and your family enjoy a cozier home with lower energy bills.