5 Energy Saving Tips for Fall and Winter

With the moderate temperatures we’ve enjoyed so far this fall, most of us have appreciated some pretty low energy bills the last month or two. But as temperatures start to lower, we all start thinking about those winter energy costs. As your trusted electricians at Lake of the Ozarks, we have a few tips to share with you that can help you save energy and money this fall and winter when it comes to heating your home. If you are down for saving money, keep reading this blog to get the scoop.

1) Get in Sync with the Sun

Now is the time you want to use the suns energy to work for you. Open your drapes during the day to let as much light and heat in as possible. Then before temperatures drop, close those curtains to hold in the heat. Make this a daily routine, and you’ll enjoy some great energy savings.

3) Lower the Thermostat

In the same way that we raise the thermostat in the summer so the AC doesn’t work as hard, we can lower the thermostat in the winter and wear an extra layer of clothing instead of running the furnace constantly. You can even go a step further by getting a smart thermostat installed so that the temperatures will adjust to use less energy when you’re not at home.  For the same reasons, you might consider turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater, too. 

4) Open Vents

It is better for your HVAC system to have the vents open in all the rooms. Closing off one or more of the vents can create increased pressure which can cause leaks that lead to inefficiency. If you have a piece of furniture sitting over a vent, we encourage you to use a vent cover to direct the heat into the rest of the room, so it doesn’t get blocked by the furniture. Although people sometimes think it will save energy to close the vents and not heat the whole house, but unfortunately it can backfire and cause problems. So, leave those vents open and make sure the airflow is unblocked.



Insulation

We highly recommend having pipe insulation on your water pipes. Depending on how far your water has to go to get to the faucet, there could be quite a bit of heat loss that takes place. Pipe insulation also gives a little added protection in the event of freezing temperatures. While you’re at it, check the insulation around the whole house. If the blown insulation in your attic is uneven, that can cause heat loss and inefficiency. If there are areas where insulation is missing, that is obviously a problem, too. Some properly placed insulation can be a definite money saver when it comes to energy efficiency.

Reverse your Ceiling Fan

It can be easy to forget, and almost seem counterintuitive, but the direction that your ceiling fan blows should change with the seasons. In the winter when you are using your furnace, you want your fan to blow down so that it pushes the hot air downward to circulate better. In the summer you want the fan blowing up, so it pulls the cool air from the floor and circulates it. If your fan is set for summer, switch it today for better energy savings.

2) Stop Those Drafts

You may be surprised how many places in your home let air flow through where it shouldn’t. It’s not as easy to notice when the temperatures are comfortable, but in the cold winter months, those drafts can rob you of a lot of hot air. The next time we have a cold snap, check your windows, your doors, and even your electrical outlets if they are on outside walls. You can get weatherstripping and insulation to help block the airflow in these places. If you can do that before the temperatures turn cold for the season, you’ll be glad you did.

At Catalyst Electric, we are here to help you with all your electrical services at Lake of the Ozarks. We care about your comfort and safety, and your budget, too! We are always happy to share tips and information that might help our clients save money or just enjoy their home or business more. If you have any needs for electrical service work at Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call! We handle everything from commercial to residential, new builds and remodels, even a simple installation of outlets and fixtures. If you’re interested in hearing more helpful information from Catalyst Electric, we invite you to follow us on social media. We have links below that will take you to our channels.

Quality Work With Integrity

 Catalyst Electric: Best electrician service at the Lake of the Ozarks  


1106 Runabout Drive
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
(573) 552-8488 -Phone
(573) 552-8248 -Fax



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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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