Important Energy-Saving Tips for Winter

With the holiday season now in full swing, homeowners are wondering not only where to find the best deals on Christmas gifts but also how to save on the dreaded utility bills that are a part of living through a cold Northeast winter! Fortunately, Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA is here to share some tried-and-true (and relatively painless) ways to reduce energy consumption and increase your savings this winter.

• Take advantage of sunny days. Keep the winter blues at bay while allowing Mother Nature to heat your home (for free!) by opening the curtains and drapes in your east-facing rooms in the mornings and west-facing rooms in the afternoons to soak up the warmth of the sun’s rays. Just don’t forget to close them again when the sun goes down in order to retain the heat that you’ve gained.
• Run your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer use. By running your fan clockwise in the winter, the warm air that rises to the ceiling will be pushed back down, increasing comfort levels in your home.
• Turn down the thermostat. According to the Consumer Energy Center, for every degree you lower your heat within the 60-70 degree range, you’ll save up to 3% on heating costs. Save even more by turning the temperature down to 55-60 degrees when you go to bed or leave the house for long periods of time.
• Perform a furnace tune-up. The proper maintenance and upkeep of your furnace are essential tasks in the winter. Dirty, clogged furnace filters will increase energy use by restricting airflow, so be sure to check them often throughout the winter months and clean or replace as needed.
• Reduce shower time. With showers comprising up to two-thirds of household water heating costs, shortening your shower time by even just five minutes can save your household hundreds of gallons of hot water per month. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to further decrease output. Additional savings can come from lowering the temperature set on your hot water tank to 120°F.
• Caulk it up. Check for holes or gaps around pipes, under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and in any other areas where pipes and vents come through the wall or floor. Use caulk or an inexpensive can of spray foam insulation to fill these openings, which will help prevent heat from escaping. Apply new weatherstripping as needed around windows and doors to further aid in blocking drafts.

Warm Up to New Windows

If draftiness is a continual problem in your home, replacement windows or patio doors may be in your future. Consider contacting Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA to find out more about our wide range of energy-efficient windows and patio doors that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards. Contact us at [company_phone] today to schedule a free consultation in Easton, Scranton or any other community in our northeast Pennsylvania service area!