Fall is in full swing bringing cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours and warmer jackets. As we transition into winter, it’s a good time to think about energy savings. We all know Minnesota winters can be brutal, both as you walk outside and on your pocket book as you pay for heating. We can’t control the weather, but we can provide some energy saving tips to make this winter not so difficult on your bank account, whether for your home, your multi housing property or your commercial building.
The average U.S. household consumes tens of thousands of kilowatt hours of electricity each year, and much of it is completely unnecessary. Making a few simple changes can save a significant amount of money while also reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some tips to help.
Unplug electronics, gaming consoles and chargers when not in use.- Insulate your water heater with a blanket and turn the temperature down to at least 120 degrees.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or compact fluorescent lamps and turn them off anytime you leave a room.
- Replace your thermostat with a programmable one that can be adjusted for times when you aren’t home.
- Use energy saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
- Check the age and condition of your major appliances, specifically the refrigerator. It may be time to replace it with a more energy-efficient model.
- Clean or replace furnace, air conditioner and heat pump filters
- Insulate hot water pipes and ducts whenever they run through unheated areas.
- Find and seal air leaks. Check doors, windows and pipes then use weatherstripping or caulk to stop cool air from seeping in.
- Consider replacing old, drafty windows with newer, energy-efficient ones.
- Close fireplace dampers when not in use. If you no longer use your fireplace, you can have the flume completely sealed off.
- Open shades and blinds during the day to let in natural heat from the sun.
- Use insulating drapes to diffuse winter chill at night or on cloudy days.
- Add extra insulation to walls and attic spaces.
- Schedule an energy audit for more expert advice on your particular home or facility. You can contact your utility company or state energy office for this.
Making just a few lifestyle changes can make an impact on your energy bill. In addition, spending some money on more energy-efficient appliances or added insulation now will save you money down the road.
If your commercial building or multi housing facility in the Twin Cities area could use some energy upgrades, let our team handle it! Building Maintenance Management specializes in making buildings more efficient. Give us a call at 763-541-4886 or Contact Us to get started!
