It might not quite feel like fall yet here in the tri-state area, but rest assured cooler weather is headed our way. Don’t let turning up the heat cost you an arm and a leg! Here’s how to save energy this fall:
Seal up air leaks & add insulation. Apply weatherstripping and caulking wherever they’re needed. Leaks are often found around plumbing penetrations, chimneys, recessed lights and unfinished spaces in the home. Don’t forget to make sure your home is properly insulated, too — according to the Alliance to Save Energy, doing so can save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Fix up your fireplace. There’s almost nothing nicer than gathering around a fire on a chilly autumn evening. Unfortunately, most fireplaces are very inefficient sources of heat. Use yours sparingly, and be sure to install heat-retaining fixtures to prevent warmth from escaping.
Open the shades. “Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows,” recommends the US Department of Energy. Additionally, lower your thermostat by up to 15 degrees at night and when you’re out of the house to save up to 10 percent ever year.
Turning on the heat shouldn’t be super expensive, and staying comfortable shouldn’t be difficult. At least that’s what we believe here at Rusk Heating & Cooling. If you think your heating system might require some maintenance, give us a call today. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube for more tips!