America’s homeowners continue to shell out significant cold cash to keep warm this winter. Luckily, 2024 brings a multitude of easy, effective, and low- or zero-cost ways to make energy efficiency part of your 2024 News Year’s Resolution.
Here are the financially frostbiting facts according to The U.S. Energy Information Administration data: Costs will remain high this winter with the 46% of U.S. households that use natural gas as their main heating fuel expected to pay an estimated $611 while oil users will pay $1,722 followed by electricity at $1,072. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, even small steps can go a long way.
The good news is that families can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for more than half (54%) of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.
Leverage the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is a landmark piece of legislation that encourages us to transition towards a new era of energy efficiency and decarbonization. It allocates $369 billion towards energy efficiency and offers households tax credits for energy efficient improvements that save them money in the long run.
These efficiency improvements include upgraded windows, doors, insulation, and other home weatherization services such as highly-efficient heating and cooling appliances like heat pumps.
For example, households can claim a tax credit for 30% of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000 including support for any electric system upgrades needed to make the home heat-pump-ready. Further, many manufacturers offer valuable rebates. The Inflation Reduction Act will provide income eligible households up to $ 14,000 when fully implemented in 2024.
Get “Smart” About Climate Control
When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.
Voice Your Preference
Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely, allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.
Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone
Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless system.
That will allow you to save energy in heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you need less heating and gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you still use.
Ward off Energy Vampires
An “energy vampire” is a device that continues to draw power even when it is turned off or idle- accounting for as much as 20% of your electric bill. A few examples are coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, laptops, and other appliances that are plugged in but aren’t in use all the time. Unplug them completely or connect them to advanced power strips that will cut power when appropriate.
Turn It Down
Even a slight temperature decrease can make a difference. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat a mere seven-ten degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting. For example, keep your house cooler than normal when you are away, and set it as low as is comfortable when you are home.
Work Your Windows
About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. Most window coverings are operable, and yet 75% of residential window coverings remain in the same position every day, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy. Open window coverings in the morning to allow the sun to heat your home through the day—especially those that receive direct sunlight.
Choose Coverings Wisely
Not all coverings are created equal. Tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss by 40%, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings. When drawn, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss up to 10%. Heavier fabrics will typically offer slightly better thermal performance. Close all draperies at night, as well as draperies that don’t receive sunlight during the day.
Force Down Warm Air
Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. So, force it downwards with a low-speed fan. Reverse the fan’s setting so it sends the warm air upwards, as this will distribute it back down the walls to mix with the rest of the air in the room, gradually raising the ambient temperature.
Lock It In
Insulate and fill the gaps. Use caulk, foam strips, or expanding foam to seal up unwanted holes in your home. Thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows. If your windows are single-glazed, consider sticking transparent polythene film to your internal window frames to act as super-low-budget “double-glazing.”
Overall, the secret to success is to leverage the full spectrum of resources at your disposal. A comprehensive, “whole-house” approach is best. By combining proper equipment maintenance and system upgrades with other easy elements, homeowners can effectively cut energy use by 20%-50%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
A little knowledge can help homeowners make a significant difference when it comes to offsetting the profoundly off-putting cost of home heating this winter.
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