Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Top Tips To Reduce Home Energy Consumption This Winter
The winter is now here, and most households will be keeping a close eye on their energy consumption. The harsh reality is that there is no way to stop the fact your energy bills will be higher at this time of the year. Still, with the right steps in place, it is possible to prevent them from spiraling out of control. Better still, it’ll reduce your carbon footprint.
Here are some of the best ways to reduce your home energy consumption throughout the winter and beyond. Let’s get started.
The windows can let in drafts if not properly sealed
1- Address the windows
The windows are one of the largest sources of energy loss. If you do not have double glazing, this is something to consider. Alternatively, finding a window tint for houses can be a great way to improve energy efficiency on a budget. It will also provide an extra layer of privacy, which is great for home offices or living rooms that face the street.
As well as keeping heat from your home furnaces inside the property, window tints can stop the summer heat from entering. So, this will also help keep the home cool during the summer months, meaning you’ll use less energy on air conditioning.
Curtains can block cold air from your home
2- Dress the windows
Treating the windows directly is the perfect starting point to prevent unnecessary heat loss. For the best results, though, you must also consider the way that your windows are dressed. Opting for thick curtains is a particularly wise move. You can fake a pleated curtain to give your bedroom or lounge a stunning appearance. Better still, it’ll keep the heat in.
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It is worth opening the curtains or blinds when there is direct sunlight facing the room. Once it passes, though, keeping them shut is essential if you wish to prevent the heat from exiting. An estimated 15% of all heat loss comes from the windows, but this will reduce it.
Cold air can leak into your house several ways
3- Fix your Roof
The roof is responsible for up to 25% of all heat loss. Therefore, insulating this part of the property is essential if you want to keep your energy consumption down. Replacing broken roof tiles or shingles should be at the top of your agenda. This is also a good time to inspect the gutters to confirm that they won’t cause damage to the property.
In addition to the external upgrades, you can add internal insulation. This can be done courtesy of spray for the attic, wool, insulated panels, or radiant barriers. Stop heat from leaving the home in this way and you will notice the difference.
Energy efficient appliances can help you save energy
4-Use efficient appliances
The modern home is equipped with more appliances than ever before, and they each use energy. Switching to energy-efficient appliances will reduce your monthly energy usage with stunning results. A Smart thermostat and home climate control features that learn your preferences are ideal. Particularly if they can be managed remotely from a smartphone.
However, a whole host of appliances can be upgraded to efficient models. Dishwashers and washer-dryers are obvious choices. Low-flush toilets, instant boiling water taps, and low-energy TVs are all great additions too. The cumulative impact will be huge.
Your home interior design can help energy efficiency
5-Consider the interior design
Having the right features in your home is one thing. For the best results, though, you also need to think about the layout of your rooms. For starters, ensuring that all furnaces and radiators are left unobstructed is vital. A ceiling fan may also be used to circulate the heat. Otherwise, you may find that you heat the back of the sofa rather than the room.
If you have wood floors, a rug can also help keep the heat in. Blankets and throws made from wool and other warm materials can also aid the cause. Crucially, though, you must fill in any gaps that allow heat to leave through the walls, floors, or doors. You won’t regret it.
Add blankets and warm items to your home
6-Alter your habits
Finally, it’s important that you improve your habits to unlock an eco-friendly home. Using LED light bulbs, for example, will reduce energy usage daily. However, the benefits become even greater if you also turn them off when leaving a room. Turning electronics off at night is another hugely positive step. Better still, the savings are made with no impact on your life.
Other habitual changes include washing your clothes at a lower temperature or setting the thermostat a few degrees lower. When combined with ideas like shutting doors to keep the heat in, you can fight back against the winter blues of high energy usage. Perfect.
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Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.