Energy Awareness Month Kickoff: 5 Ways To Save Energy This Fall
Energy Awareness Month Kickoff: 5 Ways To Save Energy This Fall
As the leaves change colors and temperatures drop, it's the perfect time to focus on energy efficiency and cost savings. Join us in celebrating Energy Awareness Month with these simple yet effective tips to reduce energy consumption this fall.
Seal Your Home Against the Chill
As temperatures start to drop, it’s crucial to ensure your home is well-sealed against the cold. Drafty windows and doors can account for up to 25% of heat loss in the average home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps. This simple step can prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering, making your home more comfortable and reducing your heating costs.
Be sure to check for drafts in less obvious places like electrical outlets, baseboards, and attic hatches. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can also provide a significant boost to your home's energy efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that properly sealing and insulating your home can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs annually. For more detailed DIY tips, check out our “3 DIY Energy Efficient Home Upgrades to Make Before Winter” blog.
For a step-by-step guide on how to seal and insulate your home, visit the Department of Energy’s Guide to Air Sealing.
Optimize Your Heating System
Before the cold weather sets in, have your heating system serviced by a professional to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace or clean furnace filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and reduce strain on your system.
Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace if your current one is outdated. A furnace rated with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90% or higher can save homeowners an average of $300 annually, according to Energy.gov. Additionally, regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your system, ensuring it operates at peak performance for years to come. Learn more about optimizing your heating system in our “Understanding Your Home’s Energy Consumption and How to Lower It” blog.
For more details on high-efficiency heating options, visit the ENERGY STAR’s Guide to Heating and Cooling Efficiency.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Maximize the use of natural light during the shorter days of fall. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in sunlight, which can help warm your home naturally and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
In addition to saving energy, natural light has been shown to improve mood and enhance overall well-being, according to research published by the National Institute of Health. Rearrange furniture to make the most of the sunlight streaming through your windows, and choose light-colored furnishings to reflect and amplify natural light throughout your space. For additional fall energy-saving tips, check out our “Maximize Solar Savings: Fall Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Home” blog.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models that use up to 50% less energy than standard models. Whether it’s your refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, energy-efficient appliances can lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time. For example, an ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator uses approximately 15% less energy than non-rated models, and an efficient dishwasher can save nearly 5,000 gallons of water annually.
Additionally, be mindful of how you use your appliances. Running full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine, and using the microwave instead of the oven for small meals, can help you save even more energy. Learn more about optimizing appliance use and energy consumption in our “Energy Consumption Savings: How to Cut Utility Costs Year-Round” blog.
Check out the ENERGY STAR website for more information on energy-efficient appliances and rebate programs.
Embrace Smart Thermostat Technology
Smart thermostats can be a game-changer for home energy efficiency. These devices learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting the temperature to optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy states that homeowners can save up to 10% annually by simply using a programmable thermostat.
With features like remote control via smartphone apps and energy usage reports, smart thermostats provide greater control over your heating system. They can help you identify patterns and make adjustments to further reduce energy consumption and save money. Many utility companies also offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, making them a cost-effective upgrade for most homes. Learn more about how smart thermostats pair perfectly with solar energy in our “Smart Thermostats: The Perfect Pair for Solar Savings” blog.
For additional insights on smart thermostats and their benefits, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Thermostat Guide.
Ready to Maximize Your Energy Savings with a Free Energy Efficiency Audit
Did you know that PosiGen’s solar lease includes a comprehensive Energy Efficiency Audit at no extra cost? Our team will identify areas where your home could be losing energy and implement solutions to maximize your savings. From air sealing to insulation, we ensure that every PosiGen solar customer is set up for year-round comfort and reduced energy bills. Ready to see how efficient your home can be? Visit our Energy Efficiency Audits page to learn more and take advantage of this exclusive benefit!
