Essential Steps for a Cozy and Energy-Efficient Winter
#Self Storage News
As temperatures drop and the winter spirit begins to set in, many people embrace the coziness and warmth of the season. While some folks curl up in front of the fireplace, most of us utilize our home’s heating and cooling system to keep ourselves snug and comfortable, which can use up a lot of energy.
Thankfully, there are ways to enjoy a pleasant and cozy winter without using too much power. Acorn Mini Storage® has put together this energy-efficient home guide full of tips to help you understand how to calculate your energy efficiency and keep your bills manageable this winter season.
How To Calculate the Energy Efficiency of Your Home
If you want to learn how to find energy efficiency in your home, begin by reviewing your energy bills and tracking your monthly consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Divide this by the square footage of your home to determine energy use per square foot. Additionally, consider conducting an energy-efficient home audit, either with a professional or using an online tool. Key areas to evaluate include:
- Insulation. Ensure your home is properly insulated to reduce heat loss in the winter and prevent heat gain in the summer, two things that can lead to a lot of energy consumption.
- Windows. Old and single-pane windows often allow air to leak out, causing drafts and dramatically increasing heating and cooling costs. Consider upgrading your windows.
- Doors. Exterior doors can be a source of significant air leaks. Installing energy-efficient doors or sealing gaps around the door frames with weatherstripping or caulking can help.
- Home heating and cooling systems. Inefficient or outdated HVAC systems require a lot of energy use. Regular maintenance and upgrades can reduce consumption over time.
Addressing inefficiencies in these areas can significantly improve your home’s overall energy performance. While they may require an initial upfront cost, you’ll notice long-term savings on your bills in no time.
What Is a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a metric that measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the seasonal energy efficiency rating, the more energy-efficient the home system. While SEER ratings are typically used for cooling systems, they also impact heating if you use a heat pump.
To ensure you’re getting the most from your HVAC system, consider scheduling annual maintenance, replacing filters regularly, and upgrading to a higher SEER-rated system when the time comes. Upgrading to a system with a high SEER rating can reduce energy consumption, especially if your current system is not functioning properly. By following these energy-saving tips, you can keep your system running efficiently throughout the cold season.
How Do You Save Energy at Home?
Saving energy at home starts with making small but meaningful changes. Begin by tightly sealing windows and doors to prevent drafts. Installing weatherstrips, caulking, and using draft stoppers are simple ways to keep your warm air trapped inside. You should also make sure that your home is well-insulated. Attic, wall, and basement insulation can reduce the strain on your heating system, and insulated curtains or window treatments can add an extra layer of warmth.
It’s also important to be conscious of how you use your thermostat. You should set your home to a low temperature overnight and when you’re not home in the winter, as you don’t want to waste energy heating an empty space. Smart thermostats can adjust temperatures on a set schedule and provide other opportunities to save energy.
Energy Saving Products for an Energy-Efficient Home
There are plenty of energy-saving products out there that you can purchase to boost your energy efficiency. Energy-saving electric heaters are an obvious pick, as space heaters with eco-friendly settings can provide enough warmth without being wasteful. LED light bulbs are another conscious alternative, as they require much less energy similar to energy-saving heaters.
While these smart purchases can be a worthy investment, there are some cost-free energy-saving tips you can follow without spending any money. You’ll save some cash on your next bill by following these tricks:
- Use ceiling fans in reverse. This will push warm air back down into the room.
- Open and close curtains. Keep curtains open during the day to let in light, and shut them at night to trap in warmth.
- Shut vents in unused rooms. This lets you concentrate heat where it’s needed most.
- Wash clothes in cold water. Using warm water for laundry requires a lot of energy (and can damage certain garments).
- Stay on top of maintenance. Regularly clean and inspect your home’s heating system.
Rent Secure Storage From Acorn Mini Storage®
Winter should be a time of joy, warmth, and comfort, but you don’t want to end the holiday season with the stress of high utility bills. By following these energy-efficient home strategies and energy-saving tips from Acorn Mini Storage®, you can keep your home cozy all winter long without worrying about overusing resources.
Ready to get started? Find a storage facility near you today! You can also use our unit size guide or browse our FAQ and storage tips page for additional information.
