01/10/2024
Today is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!!
So we wanted to share with you 5 simple things you can do to help your home become more efficient or if your in a new build, keep it efficient with the right upkeep!
#1 Clean or replace your HVAC filters! This should be done roughly every 3 months, but if you have pets, it should be every month!! The harder your HVAC has to work to push air through your filter, the more energy you are using! So by keep it clean or replacing it with a fresh one, you will reduce that amount of energy!
#2 Switch all the your bulbs to LEDs. It is inevitable at this point! They are the way to go when it comes to lighting, & it is rare these days to find an incandescent light bulb in store after the Energy Department efficiency rules went into effect in 2022! Look for lighting products that bear the Energy Star label.
#3 We live in the north so if you have an outdoor freezer, as soon as our temperature is consistently below -5 degrees, that outdoor freezer should be unplugged! And if you have it inside, then ensure that it is set to -18 degrees and we also suggest setting your fridge to 4 degrees! This will keep your food fresh, but your fridge and freezer won’t need to work as hard to maintain the temperature. And if you are changing the temperatures of devices another one you can adjust is your hot water tank!! Most are installed at 60 degrees, but you can adjust down to 50 or even 40 degrees while still keeping it within safe bacteria ranges and save on that energy use!
#4 Give the Whitehorse Energy Solution Center a visit, and chat with them about booking your home an Energy Audit! This costs roughly $55-$60 through them!
An audit can help you figure out if faulty seals on windows and doors or leaky ductwork, among other things, are draining energy from your home. You’ll also get recommendations for repairs and efficient fixtures.
#5 This one is more of an expense upfront, but it is 100% worth the time and effort! Insulation! I repeat Insulation! Especially because we live where it is cold for longer then 3 months of the year, we need to ensure our homes are insulated properly! This can be taking the time to add another layer to your walls so that your R rating is up to code, or better! This is checking your attic space (or roofing space) to ensure that you have even spread insulation! This is removing a section of window & door framing and right away you should see spray foam! If not- get that filled in!
