After winter has arrived, you know what\u2019s coming next \u2013 higher energy bills. To get through the cold, dark months of the year, you flip on the lights and turn up the heat, both of which can send energy usage skyrocketing. It\u2019s natural to want to cut those costs \u2013 the good news is, it\u2019s easy to do.<\/p>\n
Making your home more energy efficient has a triple pay-off: your bills can decrease, you\u2019re making a smaller environmental impact and you\u2019ll be keeping your family warm and toasty. To make sure that your home is as efficient as possible, follow these four tips.<\/p>\n
Insulate<\/strong> To get the biggest bang for your buck according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, add insulation to your attic. If your insulation is at or below the floor joists, you likely need to add more \u2013 12 to 24 inches, depending on where you live.<\/p>\n Seal your windows<\/strong> You can locate drafts on windy days by slowly moving a burning candle near the window. Whenever the flame moves or smoke blows, you\u2019ve got an air leak that needs to be sealed.<\/p>\n Have your furnace inspected and clean your heating and cooling system<\/strong> \u201cHaving your heating and cooling system inspected and cleaned can extend the life of your furnace and can even make it run considerably more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly heating and cooling bills,\u201d says Matt Mongiello, president of NADCA \u2013 The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance & Restoration Association. \u201cHaving your system cleaned can also increase air flow which often translates into increased comfort for occupants in the home.\u201d<\/p>\n Change filters regularly<\/strong> For more information on how to winterize your home, visit NADCA.com.<\/p>\n ARA Content<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After winter has arrived, you know what\u2019s coming next \u2013 higher energy bills. To get through the cold, dark months of the year, you flip on the lights and turn up the heat, both of which can send energy usage skyrocketing. It\u2019s natural to want to cut those costs \u2013 the good news is, it\u2019s easy to do. Making your home more energy efficient has a triple pay-off: your bills can decrease, you\u2019re making a smaller environmental impact and you\u2019ll be keeping your family warm and toasty. To make sure that your home is as efficient as possible, follow these four tips. Insulate When the temperature drops, we often grab a blanket to help stay warm. Adding insulation to your home is like wrapping it…<\/p>\n
\nWhen the temperature drops, we often grab a blanket to help stay warm. Adding insulation to your home is like wrapping it in a warm blanket. Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.<\/p>\n
\nEven if windows are sealed with weather stripping, cold air can still enter through gaps. Use silicone caulk to seal air leaks or place shrink-wrap film over drafty windows to help reduce energy loss.<\/p>\n
\nAs you close up your home for the cold season, the contaminates that are in your air ducts and furnace recirculate through your home over and over throughout the entire winter. Your heating and cooling system can collect everything from mold, fungi and bacteria to tiny dust particles and allergens that can cause irritation to everyone in the house. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.<\/p>\n
\nOnce you have a clean heating and cooling system, it\u2019s crucial to change your furnace filters regularly. Filters are designed to remove the dust and debris from the air flowing into your home. When the filter is dirty, the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the clogged filter and your utility bills will be higher. Change your furnace filter once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.<\/p>\n