Utilities and Changing Seasons: What You Can Do to be Prepared for Fall and Winter

Before the leaves begin to change colors and the weather cools off, it is time to start thinking about preparing your home for the winter. If you dread your monthly utility bills during the colder months of the year, then take a look at these few tips that will improve your home’s efficiency without sacrificing your family’s comfort.

Adjust Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat by a single degree could improve your monthly utility bills by as much as one percent. During the winter, it is suggested that homeowners set their thermostat at 68 degrees while they are awake and at home. While they are away from the house or sleeping, the thermostat should be set at 60 degrees.

Service Your Boiler or Furnace
Modern HVAC systems can be incredibly efficient when compared to older models, but they still must be serviced at least twice a year. Just before the colder seasons, an experienced HVAC technician, like the ones from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in West Pasco, can carry out a number of tasks such as changing filters, lubing moving parts, adjusting pilot lights, inspecting the ducts, topping off fluids, and checking the unit for any visible damage.

Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
An astounding amount of energy is wasted when your home’s temperature drops because of cracks around doors and windows. All families should keep weather-stripping and caulking around the house and spend a few hours filling in any cracks or holes that will allow cold air in. This is also a great time to have new energy-efficient windows installed for further savings.

Check On the Insulation
Older insulation can begin to flatten out from moisture, mold, pests, and fluctuations in the temperature. For those that are not quite ready to upgrade to spray-in insulation, simply adding a few more layers of insulation rolls to the attic and crawlspaces will help to keep the warm air in.

Switch to Energy Star Lights
The days are shorter and the nights are longer during the winter, and this means that more of your home’s energy will go to lighting. It is never a bad idea to invest in some Energy Star CFL bulbs to replace any lights that go out during the fall or winter

Improving the efficiency of your home isn’t just go to lower your energy bills. These few steps could actually keep your home at a comfortable temperature and prevent major damage.