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Smart Ways to Reduce Energy Bills as Temperatures Drop
With Minnesota's chilly season on the horizon, you'll need to get your home ready for the upcoming cold months, whether you're checking out houses for sale in Alexandria or Arden Hills homes for sale. Learning to manage your energy use effectively can save you a lot of money while keeping your home cozy all winter long.
Spotting Where Your Home Loses Energy
Before you start saving money, you need to determine where your home loses heat the fastest. Minnesota winters require you to pay close attention to keeping your home warm. Your windows, doors, attic, and basement walls are the primary areas where warm air escapes, causing your heating system to work harder and consume more energy.
Plug Air Leaks All Over Your House
Tackling air leaks can significantly reduce heating bills in winter. Tiny openings near windows and doors can add up, letting a lot of heat escape. This unnecessarily increases your monthly energy costs.
Zero in on sealing these key spots:
- Weather-stripping on outside doors and windows you can reach
- Caulking holes where pipes and wires come into your house
- Putting foam gaskets in electrical outlets on outside walls
- Installing plastic film insulation kits on older windows with one pane
Get Your Heating System Running Its Best
Your furnace has to work extra hard during Minnesota's tough winters, so regular upkeep is key to keeping it running well and lasting longer. Getting a pro to check it out before winter hits ensures your system works its best when you need it.
Try these ways to improve your heating system:
- Switch out furnace filters every month during heavy use
- Put in a programmable thermostat to lower temps when you're not home
- Get someone to look at your ductwork and seal it up to stop heat from escaping
- Think about getting a new, efficient furnace if yours is over 15 years old
Add More Insulation to Important Spots
Insulating your home properly is one of the best ways to save energy in the long run. Your attic needs sufficient insulation because heat tends to rise and escape through the roof. If you add insulation to your attic, you can significantly cut down on how much heat you need in winter.
You can also insulate these areas:
- Where floor frames meet foundation walls in the basement
- Walls in the garage next to heated rooms
- Doors to the attic and pull-down stairs
- Spaces under the house and ceilings in basements of older homes
Use Natural Heat to Your Advantage
When it's light out, you can use sunlight to help heat your home naturally and efficiently. Open the curtains and blinds on windows facing south to let sunlight warm up your rooms without using extra energy. As night comes, close your window coverings to create a barrier that keeps the heat inside.
Change Your Daily Habits to Save Money
Little changes in your daily routine can add up to significant savings over the entire heating season. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees when you're sleeping or away for a long time. This reduces energy use while keeping you comfortable when you're awake. Put on layers indoors and use space heaters in rooms you're using. This lets you keep the whole house a bit cooler.
Expert Advice for Minnesota Homeowners
Getting a handle on energy efficiency matters as you check out properties across the Twin Cities area. Call today to discuss how we can help you find a home that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, efficiency, and value, regardless of the season.