Energy Efficiency Tips for the Fall and Winter

Blog 11/01/2016

Energy Efficiency Tips for the Fall and Winter

As the weather turns colder, many households tend to increase their energy consumption. Less daylight and colder temperatures usually mean higher heat and electricity bills so making some simple changes around your home can help you control your utility bills. Here are some simple strategies for saving energy and money during the fall and winter months.
1. Let the sun in
On warmer, sunny days open the curtains on south-facing windows to let the sun shine in and help heat your home for free. Remember to close them again when the sun goes down in order to keep the heat in longer and to help insulate your home’s windows.
2. Seal air leaks and cracks
According to Hydro Quebec, air leaks and cold drafts account for up to 25% of a home’s heat loss. Do a walk through your house and run your hand around the frames of all your windows and exterior doors to check for air leaks. Seal these cracks with caulking or weatherstripping to stop the air leaks.
3. Set lights on a timer
To reduce inefficient lighting use, set your outdoor holiday lights on a timer so that they only come on for a few hours a night. If you are purchasing new holiday lights this season, look for LED lights, which are more efficient than older incandescent versions. Consider replacing your outdoor lighting with motion-activated lights that only come on when movement is detected.
4. Make your heating system more efficient
To reduce inefficiencies in your heating system, consider replacing mechanical thermostats with electric ones. Installing a programmable or “smart” thermostat gives you more control over your home’s heating. They can automatically lower or raise your home’s temperature depending on your needs. Reducing the temperature by just one or two degrees in underused rooms can make a big difference on your heating bill. If you are going to be away from home for a few days, especially during the holiday season, turn your thermostat down to conserve energy until you return.
5. Get energy- efficient utilities
Having energy-efficient utilities in your house can greatly reduce your annual household spend. Installing products such as the Sanicompact, from Saniflo, can reduce your monthly expenses thanks to its dual flush system. It reduces the amount of water per flush and in turn, impacts your energy consumption.
Do you have other ideas to share? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!