Energy Saving Hacks During the Cold Weather

Despite the relatively mild winters in Charleston, maintaining a warm home during this season can still be expensive. With shorter and darker days and cooler weather, we find ourselves relying more on lights and heating systems. However, there are various strategies available to save energy and reduce costs during this time, ranging from regular maintenance reminders to investing in new energy-efficient home accessories.

The Handsome Homes team is sharing tips for energy-saving hacks to make your home more efficient during the cold Winter.

1. Keep the Thermostat at a Lower Degrees 

Heating and air professionals recommend keeping the indoor temperature at an average of 68 degrees during the winter months. Lowering the heat by just one degree below this can lead to approximately 5% savings on your next month’s bill. However, it’s essential not to set the thermostat below 55 degrees to prevent freezing pipes.

2. Weatherstripping on the Main Doors

Weatherstripping, often overlooked but highly crucial in preventing drafts from doors, tends to wear out over time due to frequent usage. Professionals advise changing the weather stripping every few years to maintain its effectiveness.

Thankfully, replacing weather stripping is a routine maintenance task and should be a straightforward and effortless repair. By doing so, you can ensure your doors provide better insulation and keep your home more energy-efficient during the winter season.

3. Add Thermal Curtains to Your Home 

Thermal or Blackout curtains offer a fantastic solution for reducing drafts from windows, particularly during colder months. You can conveniently purchase these curtains online, making them easily accessible and reasonably affordable.

Besides their insulating properties, these curtains also provide the added benefit of blocking out exterior lighting, leading to a more restful night’s sleep with fewer distractions. Their dual functionality makes them a smart and practical choice for enhancing both comfort and sleep quality in your home.

4. Utilizing Ceiling or Floor Fans 

Ceiling fans are not just useful during the summer for cooling; they also offer benefits in the winter to help maintain a warm home. By changing the fan blades’ direction clockwise in colder months, the fan’s speed slows down, effectively pushing warm air downwards and distributing it throughout the room.

Additionally, floor fans have evolved over the years, and brands like Dyson and Antarctic now offer heating air options. These advanced floor fans can blow out hot air, providing an effective way to stay warmer during the winter season. With both ceiling and floor fans playing a dual role in temperature regulation, you can optimize their use to ensure comfort throughout the year.

5. Changing HVAC Filters 

A helpful guideline is to regularly change your HVAC filters at intervals like 30, 60, or 90 days. Keeping your HVAC system in good condition not only ensures better air quality but also helps to minimize electric costs. By setting a routine reminder to change the filters, you can reduce the need for unnecessary service visits from the HVAC company, saving you both time and money in the long run.