With winter on the way, many homeowners are gearing up for sky high energy bills. But by focusing on energy efficiency now, you can help keep your home warm and toasty this winter, without wreaking havoc on your wallet.
A good place to start is with a professional home energy assessment, and getting one doesn’t have to cost you big bucks. Mass Save®, a collaborative of Massachusetts energy efficiency service providers and utility companies, offers no-cost home energy assessments to MA homeowners. These assessments are aimed at helping homeowners discover ways to save energy and reduce their energy costs. National Grid offers RI homeowners a similar no-cost assessment. An energy specialist will come to the home, complete an evaluation, and then provide the customer with a home energy report detailing recommended energy efficiency improvements.
Getting an energy audit for your home can help shed light on which energy efficiency improvements and upgrades could save you money. Some of the cost-saving measures that might be suggested include:
Replace windows. Studies show that windows can account for up to 20% of a home’s energy loss. If you haven’t replaced your windows in 10 years or more, it might be a good time to invest in new ones. The latest models have features designed specifically for energy efficiency. And, if you can’t afford the replace your windows right now, installing storm windows could be a good, less-expensive alternative. Or you could use insulation such as weather strips and caulking around your current windows, as well as your doors. Taping clear plastic film on the inside of the window frames can also help to reduce drafts.
Service your heating system. Having your heating equipment routinely checked and cleaned by a professional can help to ensure that everything operates efficiently. Natural gas systems should be serviced every two to three years, while oil units should be checked annually since they tend to have more dirt buildup over the course of a year. It’s also important to remember to replace filters on a regular basis, usually once a month. And if you use a wood-burning or pellet stove as your heating source, check it in advance of cold weather. It’s a good idea to clean the inside of the stove and clear out the flue vent regularly.
Seal up ducts. You can prevent heat leakage in the ductwork by using a paint-on sealant or foil-backed tape. If you have a fireplace, a good rule of thumb is to keep the damper closed unless a fire is burning. An open damper is like burning money – it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. Make sure the seal on the flue damper is as tight as possible. And use a heat-air exchange system and tempered doors to capture more warmth. If you have a fireplace that you don’t use, seal the chimney flue.
Replace your heating system. If you have an aging heating system, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model. When shopping for a new system, be sure to review its annual fuel utilization (AFUE) rating. Purchasing a system with a favorable AFUE rating will not only help you save money on energy costs, but it could qualify you for rebates as well.
Pay attention to the water heater. You can easily save energy by reducing the temperature of your water heater from “hot” setting (140°F) to the “warm” setting (120°F). If your water heater is an older model, you could also improve efficiency by adding insulation around it, and the pipes connected to it.
Install a programmable thermostat. No one likes paying to heat a house when they’re not home, but it’s equally unpleasant to come home to a freezing house. With a programmable thermostat however, you can have the best of both words. You can program the temperature lower while you’re out of the house, eliminating wasteful heat and saving you money. And you can schedule a temperature increase prior to your arrival back home, so your house is nice and comfortable when you walk through the door.
Once you’ve determined which energy improvements are a good fit for your home, you may wonder the best way to pay for them. Luckily, there are many options available to help homeowners finance home improvements. An energy-efficiency loan is one option. Some banks like BankFive offer no-interest financing for eligible home energy upgrades for qualified borrowers through partnerships with programs such as the Mass Save® HEAT Loan program and the Rhode Island 0% Financing Program offered by National Grid.
By taking energy-efficient steps now to ward off the cold that’s on the way, you can help lower your heating bill and stay warmer and cozier in your home this winter.
A good place to start is with a professional home energy assessment, and getting one doesn’t have to cost you big bucks. Mass Save®, a collaborative of Massachusetts energy efficiency service providers and utility companies, offers no-cost home energy assessments to MA homeowners. These assessments are aimed at helping homeowners discover ways to save energy and reduce their energy costs. National Grid offers RI homeowners a similar no-cost assessment. An energy specialist will come to the home, complete an evaluation, and then provide the customer with a home energy report detailing recommended energy efficiency improvements.
Getting an energy audit for your home can help shed light on which energy efficiency improvements and upgrades could save you money. Some of the cost-saving measures that might be suggested include:
Replace windows. Studies show that windows can account for up to 20% of a home’s energy loss. If you haven’t replaced your windows in 10 years or more, it might be a good time to invest in new ones. The latest models have features designed specifically for energy efficiency. And, if you can’t afford the replace your windows right now, installing storm windows could be a good, less-expensive alternative. Or you could use insulation such as weather strips and caulking around your current windows, as well as your doors. Taping clear plastic film on the inside of the window frames can also help to reduce drafts.
Service your heating system. Having your heating equipment routinely checked and cleaned by a professional can help to ensure that everything operates efficiently. Natural gas systems should be serviced every two to three years, while oil units should be checked annually since they tend to have more dirt buildup over the course of a year. It’s also important to remember to replace filters on a regular basis, usually once a month. And if you use a wood-burning or pellet stove as your heating source, check it in advance of cold weather. It’s a good idea to clean the inside of the stove and clear out the flue vent regularly.
Seal up ducts. You can prevent heat leakage in the ductwork by using a paint-on sealant or foil-backed tape. If you have a fireplace, a good rule of thumb is to keep the damper closed unless a fire is burning. An open damper is like burning money – it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. Make sure the seal on the flue damper is as tight as possible. And use a heat-air exchange system and tempered doors to capture more warmth. If you have a fireplace that you don’t use, seal the chimney flue.
Replace your heating system. If you have an aging heating system, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model. When shopping for a new system, be sure to review its annual fuel utilization (AFUE) rating. Purchasing a system with a favorable AFUE rating will not only help you save money on energy costs, but it could qualify you for rebates as well.
Pay attention to the water heater. You can easily save energy by reducing the temperature of your water heater from “hot” setting (140°F) to the “warm” setting (120°F). If your water heater is an older model, you could also improve efficiency by adding insulation around it, and the pipes connected to it.
Install a programmable thermostat. No one likes paying to heat a house when they’re not home, but it’s equally unpleasant to come home to a freezing house. With a programmable thermostat however, you can have the best of both words. You can program the temperature lower while you’re out of the house, eliminating wasteful heat and saving you money. And you can schedule a temperature increase prior to your arrival back home, so your house is nice and comfortable when you walk through the door.
Once you’ve determined which energy improvements are a good fit for your home, you may wonder the best way to pay for them. Luckily, there are many options available to help homeowners finance home improvements. An energy-efficiency loan is one option. Some banks like BankFive offer no-interest financing for eligible home energy upgrades for qualified borrowers through partnerships with programs such as the Mass Save® HEAT Loan program and the Rhode Island 0% Financing Program offered by National Grid.
By taking energy-efficient steps now to ward off the cold that’s on the way, you can help lower your heating bill and stay warmer and cozier in your home this winter.