Find Winter Energy Saving Tips
Between the holidays and winter heating bills, this is the most expensive season of the year. You could start the new year with an empty wallet once you pay your next Ohio energy bill. But you can cut costs and use less energy if you air seal your home today. So before you compare plans with Apples To Apples, learn about these energy saving sealing tips to keep winter out of your home.
Why Improve Home Air Sealing
Heating your home through the winter uses up a lot of energy, especially during the polar vortex. But a lot of that energy goes to waste if your home is poorly sealed and insulated. In fact, EPA estimates that you could save as much as 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing your home. This includes adding insulation to attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements.
To put it in perspective, the average 2024 Ohio energy bill was $135.16. An air-sealed home could see that drop to as low as $114.88 (about $20 less)!
Nine Best Air Sealing Tips
- Inspect For Leaks
Before anything else, take the time to inspect your home for air leaks. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to schedule a professional visit, because you can do it yourself! - Start With Your Attic
When your home warms up, the heat rises to your attic and leaves unless you have proper insulation. So make sure you check that your home is fully insulated. Professional companies can do the job, but here’s a DIY guide. - Put Plastic Over Drafty Windows
Energy loss through drafty windows is responsible for up to 25%-30% of energy use. If you can’t replace your windows right now, then heat-shrink window coverings can help for cheaper. - Weatherstrip Your Doors
Exterior doors are also responsible for heat loss in the winter. But weatherstripping can cut energy loss and help you save more money. - Get a Can of Foam Seal
Foam seals do a great job of filling cracks outside of your home. They can also help seal leaky doors and windows. I recommend a can of this Great Stuff brand. - Insulate Your Water Heater
Get yourself an insulating blanket if you have a traditional tank heating system. This helps the system keep heat a lot better so it uses a lot less energy. - Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Don’t forget to insulate your hot water pipes. This can save you between 3%-4% on your annual energy bills and can cost as little as $10-$15 and a few hours for a smaller home. - Energy Seal Basement Walls
Uninsulated basement walls can be responsible for up to 1/3 of your home energy loss. So take time to take care of your basement walls and crawlspaces. - Tip For Chimneys
Finally, be sure to keep your chimney sealed when not in use. First, inspect it to make sure that it’s safe. Then, use a DIY chimney balloon as a temporary block for when you’re not using it. In the spring, hire a professional to install a top mounted damper. This will work as a convenient and more permanent fix.
Winter Energy Saving in the New Year
The New Year is right around the corner and that also means some of Ohio’s coldest winter nights are coming. Seal your home now so it stays comfy and you spend less money.
The best way, however, is to shop for the best energy deals in town right here at https://www.ohenergyratings.com. We’re also your first choice for the news and tips that could affect your bills.