Living in a 100+ year old house has its advantages–our house has charm galore– but also it’s disadvantages–hello drafty windows! We have been lucky so far this Winter that the weather has been warmer than normal so that helps with our yearly heating costs but with colder temperatures, snowfalls and the fact that it is dark so early, I am always looking for easy things to do around the house to help me save money .
The goal of having reasonable heating and cooling costs year round is to keep warm air in and cold air out so by taking the time to research some energy efficiency tips you can really save money all year long. Don’t have time to do the research yourself? No worries, I have got you covered!
Energy Efficiency Tip #1
One of the easiest things and cost effective things you can do to keep warm air in and cold weather out is to go around your house and seal up any cracks around windows and doors. Take a few minutes to walk around your house on a cool day and use your hand to feel for drafts.
If you feel a cold spot in front of your windows and doors that means that cold air is getting in. Bummer, I know! Guess what though? Fixing this problem is EASY and cost effective, as the solutions to the problem only cost a few dollars and can be picked up at your local hardware store.
This can be done by using any of the following three products*:
- Caulk – Seals gaps of less than ½ inch. Select grade (interior, exterior, high temperature) based on application.
- Spray foam – Fills large cracks and small holes. It can be messy; consider new latex-based foams. DO NOT USE near flammable applications (e.g., flue vents). DO NOT USE expanding types on windows and doors.
- Weatherstripping – Used to seal moveable components, such as doors, windows, and attic accesses.
Already done Tip 1 and still feeling heat loss? Then Tip 2 is for you!
Energy Efficiency Tip #2
Cover your windows! That’s right, shades and draperies can help you with your energy costs. When you open the shades and draperies during the day you allow natural sunlight in to warm up the room and if you close them at night before it gets dark it helps keep the warmth inside. When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10% and every little bit of savings certainly helps.*
Energy Efficiency Tip #3
Have you ever put your hand in front of the outlets in your house? Do you feel a cold draft? That means that warm air is escaping and cold air is getting into your house through your outlets. Again, the fix for these is really economical. You can buy insulation covers for your outlets from your local hardware store or online. Another easy fix? Put into child safety covers on your outlets, they help sell up the air leaks as well.
Energy Efficiency Tip #4
Use a programable thermostat in your home. These are easy to install, was to use and really help keep costs down! By maintaining the highest or lowest required temperatures for four or five hours a day instead of 24 hours, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within four years.
Another tip? Keep your temperature in your house at 68 degrees during the day and even lower at night.* Why pay to keep your house warm overnight? I promise you, if you dress appropriately for bed and use enough blankets you won’t even know the difference, PLUS, if you use a programable thermostat you can set it to kick on and warm up your house before you even get out of bed!
Energy Efficiency Tip #5
Okay, so this tip doesn’t have to do with winter savings or ways to keep your house warm but it is important nonetheless. In every home we have items that we leave plugged in all the time.
Think about it…do you unplug your coffee maker? Toaster? How about your computer or printer? Even if they are not running–just plugged in–they are using energy. They are called “vampire” devices and they are costing you money each month. Purchase a Electricity Usage Monitor like the Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Click here to print out this handy graphic Winter Preparation Tips for your Home
I hope these simple tips help you save money this winer on your home heating costs. Remember, every little bit helps and if you follow these tips now before it gets really cold you will be saving money all season long.
Stay warm!
Disclosure: I am a Project Envolve Ambassador and received product and compensation for this post. As always my opinions are 100% my own. Project Envolve is sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities. Learn more money saving tips at PPL Electric Utilities Pinterest boards here. #ProjectEnvolve
*Source: PPL Electric Utilities Residential EnergySmart Library
OUTLETS! Great tips. Thanks for sharing these!
Great list of tips!!! We started using a programmable thermostat a few years ago and turn off the cable box overnight. HUGE savings! Seriously, our electric bill dropped by almost 15% just with those two changes.
These are all great tips. It’s amazing how quickly that electric bill can add up if you don’t prepare.
These are such great tips! This is our first winter in a new home and I’m already seeing a few places that are not sealed as well as they should be. I’m hoping the hubby can take care of it to keep our home toasty warm this winter!
We put up plastic over our windows. It helps keep the drafts out.
Those are great tips. Here in Florida we are just trying to keep the cold air in!
I’ve heard of Tip#1 tried it and the energy bill was reduced significantly! All the air that is suppose to be in the house stays in the house and the one that is to be outside .. stays outside
Great tips! I’ve found that good blinds or window coverings make a huge difference!
These are some really good ideas. I can tell our energy costs are already going up and it hasn’t even been that cold.
We will definitely be covering our windows when winter hits. We live in an old drafty house & try to lock in as much heat as possible.
Great tips! I had no clue about insulation for outlets.
I also live in a really old home- these tips are great, because heating an old home can be so expensive!
These are great tips! Money literally flies out the window in the winter if you’re not careful!
Ugh ole man Winter is coming and these are very timely tips. I know we turn the thermostat way down and have a heater installed in the bedroom for night.
I’ve used the spray foam before and it works. These are good tips.
I live in Maine so our energy costs can be exponential in the winter months. These are good tips and can help families save a little bit!
I had no idea there were insulation covers for outlets. I’m going to have to get that done before winter!
Great tips! I never thought about the sockets before and I’m now one a mission!
These are great tips! I need to do some homework and check some of them out!
What great tips you have. I couldn’t take my eyes off your photo….OMG I love it.
We need the insulation covers stat! Those are so cool
Great tips that I think could be useful in summer months too! We don’t have too much of a winter in San Diego, but these are def worth a try to save some energy and $.
Yes, I have felt the drafts from the outlets but never knew how to fix that. Thanks for the great tips!
These are great tips! We have been trying to update our old house and winterize with tips like these.
Lots of great tips. We have a ton of windows and have noticed a big improvement on our heat when we close the drapes each night. I have even purchased heavy weight fabrics like velvet to use for window treatments in the winter and that makes an even bigger difference.
Great tips! I had no idea about plugs causing drafts.Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Sharing onTwitter ! Have a great week!
Kim
Very useful tips and info. Loved it! Thanks for joining the DI & DI Link Party. Merry Christmas.
These are great tips for helping us save money! I like it so much I’ve scheduled to share it on my Facebook page in January – I know it’ll help others like me who want to keep the cold OUT and the money IN!
Great tips! Didn’t know that about outlet covers. Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
I have never even thought about the outlets! Thanks for the tips. Thanks for linking up with us at Share the Wealth Sunday!