With energy costs increasing across the country and severe weather becoming more common than ever, conserving energy is essential. We have compiled a list of suggestions to help you do just that. Keep your energy bills down as much as possible this winter by following these tips.
Let the Sun In
When the sun is out and shining, it is giving us free heat. Open your blinds during the day to take advantage of this. You will be surprised by just how much the sun can warm up your home when it is shining in through the windows.
Remember to close your blinds when the sun goes down, though. Windows can let a lot of warmth escape after dark. You might even consider getting some insulated curtains for those extra-cold Colorado winter nights.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit can show you where the air is leaking in and out of your house, tell you if you have inadequate insulation, and more. The results of an energy audit can give you the information you need to make your residence more energy-efficient. For example, you may have leaky windows or doors and need to add weather stripping. You also might consider updating your windows to more energy-efficient options to prevent even more heat loss.
A lot of heat that is lost in a home is through the attic. You may come to find that you need to add more insulation or replace the existing insulation altogether. While these might seem like big tasks, they can make a huge impact on your monthly energy bills in the winter.
Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
Call competent HVAC professionals in the fall to perform a tune-up on your heating system before you plan to turn it on. When you have your furnace optimized, it will run more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of something going wrong. Maintenance also has other benefits, such as improved indoor air quality and an overall longer equipment lifespan.
If your system is still under warranty, maintenance is a requirement in order to keep it valid. Do not try to maintain your system yourself. This only creates a high likelihood of error and voids your warranty. If you live anywhere in the Denver area, the team from Coffman & Company can perform this task for you. Trust our experts to maintain and fine-tune your heater.
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Thermostats have come a long way since the invention of the analog type. These days, you can get thermostats that can be programmed for different times of day and different days of the week. You can even find smart options that learn your routine and automatically adjust the temperature without your input. Some can even adjust the temperature based on the outdoor temperature! You can typically control smart thermostats remotely from your phone.
These features are not only designed to be convenient but are also meant to increase your energy efficiency as much as possible. Life gets busy, and we do not always remember to turn down the heater before bed or leaving for work. If you really want to know how efficient your system is, you can choose a thermostat that gives you weekly performance reports and tips on conserving more energy. You can also choose a model that will send you reminders about maintenance or alert you to the need for repair and air filter replacement.
Switch Out Your Lightbulbs
Like thermostats, light bulbs have also made some strides in the last few decades. LED lights use very little energy and last a lot longer than their fluorescent counterparts. To conserve the most energy this winter, even the smallest efforts, like changing the types of lightbulbs you use, can make a big difference.
Upgrade Your Water Heater
If you have a traditional water heater that uses a tank to store and heat water, you could be using too much energy. Tankless water heaters heat water only as you need it. This can save a lot of energy and money. An additional benefit is that they last a long time and take up a lot less space.
Let Us Help You Conserve Energy
At Coffman & Company, our goal is to help the residents of Wheat Ridge and the greater Denver area achieve better energy efficiency. We can maintain your heating or cooling system and help you with efficient water heater options. We also offer repair and installation services, indoor air quality solutions, and a complete line of plumbing services. Call us today to find out more about how we can help you conserve more energy this winter season.
