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4. Find and fix any leaks
With as much as one-third of a home’s heat escaping through drafty windows and doors, it’s important to pinpoint and plug any leaks before the cold winter air finds them first.
The most cost-effective way to find leaks is to look for them yourself. Closely examine the doors, windows, baseboards, and any other places where small cracks or gaps can form in your home’s foundation.
“If you can see sunlight peeking through cracks around window frames or where your door meets your wall, that means air is also able to pass through, and you need to seal those areas,” says DiMartino.
Other often-overlooked sources of leaks are the areas where vents are installed, such as the clothes dryer, as well as chimneys. For complete peace of mind, a certified energy auditor can perform an infrared energy audit, which will detect all of the areas where air is leaking.
If you encounter any gaps or cracks, weatherstripping and caulking are common and easy ways to seal the area. According to the Department of Energy, weatherstripping is used to seal moving components, such as doors and windows, while caulking is used to seal up any openings or cracks between door frames, window frames, and other non-moving parts of the house. (Pro tip: Snyder notes that you may be able to get a money-back rebate from your energy provider after making the fixes.)
If you’re a handy homeowner, you can save some money by addressing air leaks yourself. Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv®, a Neighborly company, offers these steps for DIY caulking:
- Choose a caulking product that comes in a disposable cartridge and fits in a caulk gun with an automatic release for easy application. Wait until it’s above 45 degrees outside to apply caulk.
- Remove any existing cracked caulk with a putty knife or screwdriver. Clean and dry the area to ensure good adhesion.
- Apply the caulk at a 45-degree angle to help the substance seep deep into the crack. Apply in one continuous stream. If caulk oozes out of the crack, use a putty knife or your moistened finger to smooth it out.
If you’re not comfortable doing your own caulking, you can hire a handyman or contractor.
5. Invest in a smart thermostat
According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back by 7°-10°F for eight hours a day can save up to 10% each year on heating and cooling costs — but it can be difficult to remember to turn it down before going to bed or leaving the house.
Enter smart thermostats. These Wi-Fi enabled systems learn your habits and temperature preferences. They automatically adjust the settings to create the most comfortable environment while you’re at home, and conserve energy while you’re asleep or away from home.
One of the most popular options on the market is Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat, which runs around $280. Homeowners can control the system from an app on their smartphones, lowering the temperature if they’re going to be away for an extended period.
Snyder notes that smart thermostats have become a selling point in the eyes of homebuyers. In addition to controlling a home’s temperature, Nest systems can also be programmed to lock and unlock doors. For this reason, some sellers are choosing to use them as a replacement for the traditional lock box, which also serves to showcase their smart systems as a selling point.
6. Service your HVAC system regularly
Experts recommend tuning up the furnace at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. According to Dawson, annual tune-ups can add years to the lifespan of your furnace.
“The average furnace will need replacement after about 15 years, but if you take very good care of it and stay diligent about tune-ups, it may last for more than 20 years,” he notes.
Elements of a furnace tune-up include several checks and adjustments that make a big difference in your furnace’s efficiency. A tune-up also makes it possible to catch and repair small problems before they turn into big, expensive ordeals.
In between tune-ups, remember to change your furnace filter regularly — every month, or as recommended by the manufacturer — to help winterize your home and allow for proper flow of warm air.
“When your furnace is blasting hot air but it can’t get past the dirty filter, all the warm air will stay near the furnace, leaving your house cool and your furnace bill high,” explains Kolodgie of The House Guys.
7. Improve water heater efficiency
There’s nothing like a hot shower on a cold winter day — but keep in mind that your water heater accounts for up to 18% of your electric bill. Lowering the water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) will save on energy costs while ensuring sufficient hot water for household needs.
To help your water heater operate more efficiently, Doyle James, former president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, recommends insulating the unit to reduce lost heat by 25%-40%, which will reduce utility bills.
“An insulation jacket will help prevent major heat loss at the unit, while pipe insulation will preserve the heat as water moves from the water heater tank to faucet,” he explains.
If you have an older system, James recommends flushing sediment from the unit for an efficiency boost. “Sediment causes corrosion, reduces efficiency, and shortens your water heater’s life span,” he says.
If your water heater is 15-20 years old, the greatest energy savings comes from replacing it with a new unit. Snyder sees a lot of homeowners opting for tankless water heaters, which heat up the water on-demand as needed for greater efficiency.
8. Utilize ceiling fans in reverse mode
They’re not just for summertime. Dawson explains that for most ceiling fans, you can flip the directional switch so that the blades turn clockwise. Then, run the fans on low speed in occupied rooms to create an updraft. This method will gently circulate the warmest air, which congregates near the ceiling.
9. Seal unused rooms
Sealing unused rooms during the winter is a simple yet effective way to save energy and reduce heating costs. By closing doors and vents in areas of the home that are not frequently used, you can prevent warm air from being directed into these spaces. This allows your heating system to focus on warming the rooms that are actively occupied, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Additionally, using draft stoppers or weather stripping around doors and windows in these unused areas can help prevent cold air from seeping into other parts of the house.
