Fall and winter mean the end of the hot summer months and a beginning to colder weather. It’s a time for fireplaces, pumpkin carvings, and eventually snow angels once the snow hits the ground. These months are considered favorites for many Americans as they bring families together around hot chocolate and fall or winter festivals.

Of course, with the colder months comes the need to heat your home more often to stay as comfortable as possible. The more you heat your home, the more you might wonder how to save electricity in the winter months.

Below are some of the best fall energy saving tips to help you manage your energy consumption and utility bill.

Change the Temperature

Simply changing your thermostat settings can help you save energy and money. The Department of Energy states that changing your temperature by 7 to 10 degrees can lower your bill up to 10% each month.

During the colder months, lowering your settings, especially during the night when you’re sleeping or when you’re not at home, will allow your HVAC to work less.

Smart Thermostat

This may be a question you’ve been wondering as the weather begins to cool, and the answer is that they can. A programmable thermostat will prove extremely helpful in learning your household schedule and anticipating when to turn your furnace on and off.

Some have the capability to receive information from your energy company and turn on during off-peak times.

Check for Cracks and Leaks

Do a thorough inspection of your home to check for any cracks or leaks in windows, doors, or walls. The smallest places will still allow the warm air from inside your home to escape and should get fixed as soon as it’s spotted.

You can use weather stripping to insulate either your windows, your doors, or both.

Use Natural Heat

The sun is the perfect source of heat, which means you can use it to warm your home strategically. When the sun is shining through your windows, open up the blinds to allow as much of it as possible to shine in and warm the temperature in your home.

Windows that do not face the sun leave the blinds closed, not to allow any of the warm air escape.

Important of HVAC Filter

Mark your calendar, so you don’t forget to change the HVAC filter at least around once a month. A clogged filter full of dirt and debris will stop the flow of air, which in turn makes your furnace work harder to heat your home.

The strain on your furnace will only result in its quicker breakdown and higher use of energy.

Fireplace Maintenance

As cozy as a fireplace can be, it requires a thorough look through to ensure it’s not leaking any hot air. When your fireplace is not in use, make sure that the fireplace damper is closed to prevent air from leaking up out of the chimney.

There are also energy efficient grates on the market that will help push warm air toward the room and cold air up through the chimney.

Humidifier for Warmth

It’s no secret that humidity is what makes the summer feel extra hot. Humidity will not only make the air feel warmer, it will trap the already warm air in the important parts of your home as opposed to letting it leak outside.

A humidifier also has added health benefits, which makes it a great solution for the colder months. Save energy in winter by using a humidifier that can save you as much as 20% on your monthly bill.

Energy Saving Windows

Depending on the budget you’re working with, an extreme, but highly energy saving tip is to look into new windows. Different types of windows are now available on the market, which helps you save money by keeping air from leaking out of your home.

Receiving a quote for window replacement is usually free, which means it’s at least something worth looking into.

 Lower Dishwasher or Laundry Temperatures

When doing the dishes or washing your laundry lowered your appliance’s temperature if you have the option. Most items your wash in the washer can be washed in both hot and cold water with the same result, which means there’s no reason not to make the change.

Lower the heat on the boiler so that it doesn’t have to work overtime in order to keep the water at a hotter temperature in the cold air.

Prepaid Electricity

An option present in a deregulated market, the prepaid electricity plan, allows you to choose how much you’re willing to pay for electricity. In exchange for the amount in your budget, you will receive a certain amount of electricity throughout the month. This will give you the added benefit of controlling how much you use and become more energy conscious. Of course, should you use more throughout the month, you can always pay for more, but it might be a good exercise in saving energy and money.

Takeaway

The fall and winter months may mean pumpkin carvings, fall festivals, and tree decorations, but it also means it’s colder. Instead of focusing on cooling your home, you will work to keep it as warm as you can to feel comfortable.

The above energy saving tips for winter will help you save money and energy throughout the coldest months. Some of these tips may even help you as the weather starts to warm up.

The budget you’re working with will help you determine which steps to take as the tips ranged from window replacement to changing thermostat temperature. Do your best to use natural sources of heat and help your home keep the air inside.