6 Weatherizing Steps That May Help Lower Your Energy Bill

As the energy crisis persists and drives up energy prices, winter brings higher utility bills for homes worldwide. In the long run, even incremental improvements may save energy costs. However, it’s not too late to take advantage of the many benefits of weatherizing your home, like reducing your energy bill and keeping your home warmer.

Here are six weatherizing steps that may help lower your energy bill.

1. Set up Programmable Thermostats

Adding a programmable thermostat is a straightforward way to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system. Programmable thermostats are simple to set up and may save your heating and cooling bills by as much as 10%.

Putting the thermostat to use is the most critical step after it has been installed. If you set the thermostat to the appropriate levels, you can sit back and enjoy the cost savings.

2. Change Your Air Filters

A dirty filter is bad for your HVAC system for several reasons, and it has to work harder than necessary because airflow is restricted. Each air filter has a recommended cleaning or replacement schedule of 30-90 days, depending on the kind of filter and the amount of time the system is in operation.

If your air filter is dirty, it won’t be able to perform its job as well, preventing harmful contaminants from lingering in your home’s air. The restriction of airflow causes a system to work harder than necessary, which wastes energy.

3. Adjust the Direction of Rotation of the Ceiling Fans

By reversing the direction of airflow, a ceiling fan can be used to redirect warm air that rises to the ceiling and back down to where it is needed most during the winter. However, it has to be blowing in the appropriate direction for it to occur.

Ceiling fans are commonly considered seasonal appliances, used primarily during the summer months. However, a ceiling fan is a valuable tool for year-round weatherization.

In the winter, you want your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to help push down any rising warm air. You can assist your heating and air conditioning system by using ceiling fans, as they help keep the air moving throughout the room, reducing the strain on the HVAC system.

4. Service Your HVAC System

Before turning on the air conditioner for the first time in the spring and the furnace for the first time in the fall, your HVAC system should be serviced. Having a professional inspect and maintain your HVAC system twice a year is something that many homeowners put off.

Regular preventative maintenance is essential if you want to keep your HVAC system running smoothly for as long as possible and avoid costly repairs or replacements.

5. Flush Your Water Heater

Without a tankless model, sediment will accumulate in your water heater and reduce efficiency. You can do it yourself, or you can pay a professional.

Reduce energy consumption and save money by setting the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Every six months, you should also do maintenance on your water heater.

6. Fix the Air Leaks

Make sure all the doors and windows in your house are properly sealed. DIY options like caulking and weatherstripping are simple but effective. A better-functioning furnace and a lower heating cost are both benefits of sealing air leaks.

Winterize Your Home with Help From Clarks

Prepare your house for the coming of winter with the aid of Clarks Ace Hardware. Winter storm supplies like thermostats, fire extinguishers, and heaters are all available at Clarks Ace Hardware. When you buy from us, you can be confident that everything is as described and high-quality as possible. Our Ellicott City and Columbia fireplace specialists provide a comprehensive selection of high-quality fireplaces and heating options.

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