Prep Your Home to Save on Utility Costs this Winter
Cedar Falls Utilities cautions customers that high natural gas market prices will impact utility bills this winter. Market factors such as tight natural gas supplies strong demand and increased shipments to Europe have caused extremely high natural gas prices across the country that are expected to persist for months. Now is a good time to prepare your home for cold weather.
Ensure your attic is properly insulated and sealed. A properly insulated and sealed attic is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs and improve comfort in your home.
If you have frost on your roof after a night below freezing it is a good indication your attic is properly insulated. However it is a good idea to consult a qualified contractor to determine if your attic is vulnerable to heat loss.
Seal around doors and windows. Prevent drafts and air leaks by sealing around doors and windows. Applying weather stripping or caulk is a simple yet effective method you can complete yourself.
Be strategic about opening and closing your window coverings. Opening your curtains or blinds during the day allows sun rays to enter your home and help heat it naturally. At night closing them can help reduce heat loss.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat adjusts your heat settings to save energy when you are away or sleeping yet keeps you comfortable when you are home and awake.
According to the Department of Energy you can save as much as 5% a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat five degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.
Complete your annual furnace maintenance. Now is the ideal time to schedule a furnace check-up. This can help prevent issues before heating season and ensure your system is running efficiently.
It is also important to replace your HVAC filter regularly for adequate airflow.
Learn how you can save energy throughout your home and how CFU can help including cost-sharing rebates.
Smart Thermostat Settings
According to the Department of Energy you can save as much as 5% a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat five degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day when away from home or sleeping.
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees. Adjust your thermostat to a lower temperature to save energy and money. Higher temperatures may provide comfort but there is additional cost.
Now upgrade to a smart thermostat and CFU will cover 100% of the cost up to $150 with a cost-sharing rebate. Learn more at cfu.net/rebates.