10 Winter Energy Savings Tips for Every Homeowner

The New Jersey area is experiencing below-average cold temperatures that put your HVAC system to the test. As cold weather continues through the winter, you want to ensure your heating system runs optimally to help you use less energy and save money. These 10 winter energy savings tips will help keep your home comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.

Comfort Specialists can service and repair your heating system no matter what type you use. We are Morris county’s reliable HVAC contractors available 24/7 to help you with our 5-star rated service. Call (973) 310-7187 today to speak with a Comfort Specialists expert contractor.

1. Seal Up All Air Leaks and Drafty Windows

Windows and exterior doors are a big source for letting in cold air. You can easily reseal any holes or cracks around the frame of your windows with caulk to keep the cold air out. Another way to keep your home warm is with inexpensive window film. It is easy to install and can help keep the cold out. When it warms up in the spring, you can easily remove it.

Your doors can also be a big air leak for your home. Check and replace any worn seals around the frame of your door. Use weatherstripping on the bottoms to keep the cold out while they are closed.

2. Curtains Can Help You Save Money

When the sun is out, open your curtains and let the sun in to warm up your home. At night, keep your curtains closed as an added barrier. Insulated curtains can help keep the cold out and your energy costs down.

3. Turn Down Your Water Heater Thermostat

Your water heater keeps your water at a set temperature 24/7. As it gets colder, it will take more to keep your water at that temperature. Reset your water heater thermostat to a few degrees colder to help save money. If you don’t notice any difference, set it to a few degrees colder. 

4. Use Ceiling Fans for Better Air Circulation

Ceiling fans are great for moving cold air around your home during those long summer days, but they can also help circulate warm air through your home. Modern ceiling fans will have two settings: clockwise and counterclockwise. Set it counterclockwise for pushing cold air up, and turn it clockwise to circulate warm air down.

Check with your ceiling fan manufacturer for changing these settings.

5. Space Heaters

Space heaters can help warm you up on those extra cold nights and for those cold bathrooms in the morning. Electric space heaters are energy-efficient and perfect for smaller areas of your home. Always use a power strip with your space heater in case of power surges.

6. Warm Clothes and Blankets

Another inexpensive way to stay warm is by putting on warm clothes and snuggling up under your favorite blanket. Long johns or thermal underwear are comfortable and can keep you covered from ankle to neck. Weighted blankets are perfect for staying warm in bed or wrapping yourself up around the house.

7. Turn Your Thermostat Down at Night

The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat 10-15 degrees colder for up to eight hours a day, saving you as much as 10% on your energy costs. Lower the temperature when you are not at home during the day for added savings.

8. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a modern way to help reduce your energy costs. It is wi-fi enabled and allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. You can preprogram temperatures for when you are working, the evening, bedtime, weekends, and more. You can update the settings from a smart device to keep your home running at peak energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats are better for the environment and allow homeowners to reduce their energy costs considerably. They are the go-to choice for all new homes and can help improve your home’s value.

9. Upgrade Your Windows

Your windows are responsible for up to 30% of your heating and cooling use. Single pane windows do not insulate your home and can significantly increase your energy costs. You can upgrade your home with double-pane windows that will protect your home from the cold and heat.

Double pane windows are two pieces of vinyl or other synthetic material with a gap in the middle for argon gas. The gap will keep the cold and heat from entering your home.

When shopping for new windows, check the U-rating to see how much insulation the windows provide. U-ratings average from 0.20 – 1.20, and a lower U-rating will give you the best insulation.

10. Check Attics and Basements

If your home has an unfinished attic or basement, you may be putting your HVAC system under extra strain. Check your basement for cold spots and seal any leaks or small holes with caulk. Don’t forget to check the basement ceiling (your floors) for leaks. Make sure the door to your attic has weather stripping and new seals to keep any heat from escaping.

Check the insulation in your attic and make sure it is rated high enough to protect your home from the outside. Any insulation with thermal resistance, or R-level, less than 38 is too low to insulate most homes. Adding or replacing the insulation in your home will reduce your energy use and lower your electricity costs.

Our Heating Repair Services

Comfort Specialists can help improve your home’s HVAC system through our furnace repair and maintenance service. We can come out and inspect your home and suggest winter energy savings tips that will help you save money. Through our routine maintenance, we will replace furnace filters and make any necessary repairs to keep your home energy efficient.

Call Comfort Specialists in Morris County for Fast and Reliable HVAC Service and Repair

The experts at Comfort Specialists want to help you stay warm and comfortable during the cold New Jersey winters. To learn more about thermostat setting adjustments and other winter energy savings tips, call (973) 310-7187 today to speak with one of our Comfort Specialists expert contractors.