10 Winter Energy-Saving Tips That Cost More in the Long Run
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With the winter chill settling in, most of us want to keep our homes warm without it costing us an arm and a leg. With budgets already stretched thin on holiday expenses, it’s tempting to jump at every tip that promises lower energy bills. Not all energy saving strategies are worth it.. In reality, some can cost you more money over time and others can jeopardize your home comfort—or even the longevity of your home.
Before you grab that roll of plastic wrap or unplug every appliance in sight, it’s worth taking a closer look at the advice you follow. Let’s go through a few commonly practiced things that seem good at the outset but have hidden costs.
Plastic Film on Windows
Shrink wrap plastic film can be placed over windows to make a home feel cozier, reducing drafts, but it’s not a long term solution. The film is single use and needs replacing every year, but the expense over time is huge. If used improperly, it can trap moisture and encourage mold and window frame damage. Instead, thermal curtains or well installed storm windows are a more permanent investment.
Turning Down the Thermostat
You might think it goes without saying, but lowering your thermostat (way) down when you’re not home or asleep can actually raise heating costs. It takes more energy to heat up a cold house than it does to keep the house at a constant temperature. It also means you are overworking your system, adding wear and tear, which could result in a hefty repair bill sooner than you expect it. A better way to save is with a programmable thermostat set to ratchet down over time.
Cheap Weatherstripping
Blocking drafts by applying inexpensive foam weatherstripping around doors and windows seems like a great way to do it. However, such materials degrade quickly in extreme temperatures, and must be replaced often. Rubber or silicone strips of high quality last longer and seal better, saving you money and frustration in the long run.
Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
Closing vents in empty rooms may seem like a no brainer, but it affects the airflow balance in your home’s HVAC system. The U.S. Department of Energy says closed vents makes your system work harder and may result in higher energy use and expensive repairs. Alternatively, think about zone heating options in which you can set room specific temperatures without overtaxing your system.
Space Heaters as the Sole Source of Heat
Using space heaters to spot heat is handy, but using them to heat large areas will send your electricity bill through the roof. Most of the time these things suck up a lot of energy, especially if you use them for a long time. Energy Star reports they will increase your energy bill if you use them as your primary heat source. Occasional use is best, not as a central heating system replacement.
Blocking Radiators With Furniture
If you’re arranging your living room for coziness, you will find that sofas or chairs are sitting snugly in front of radiators. This simple choice can prevent proper circulation of heat, forcing your system to work harder to keep up. Instead, leave a few inches or more around radiators so that the warm air can flow freely. You will get warmer quicker—and save energy in the process.
Skipping HVAC Maintenance
The last thing you think of when you see your HVAC bill is probably to service your air conditioning system. Unmaintained equipment and dirty filters not only decrease efficiency, but can lead to break downs. It’s recommended systems get an annual maintenance check to ensure they work smoothly and efficiently. A clogged filter can jack up energy costs by as much as 15%.
Using Candles to Keep Warm
It’s nice lighting candles for ambiance, but using them to supplement heat is impractical, and could be dangerous. The fire risk is a bad trade off, even if you have a large number of candles, they don’t do much to warm a room. Using draft stoppers or insulated curtains are a safer way to keep warmth from going out.
Overloading Power Strips
In winter, power strips are a common sight in homes, as the holiday lights and space heaters suck up extra electricity. Nevertheless, overloading these devices can cause the devices to overheat and become fire hazards. Sometimes, a single incident can cost you far more than the energy savings you’re trying to achieve. Use heavy duty power strips designed for high wattage devices and don’t cheap out.
Ignoring Insulation
Skipping proper insulation is also one of the most expensive mistakes. Poor insulation is a major source of heat loss, you might think it’s enough to patch up drafts here and there. Homes that are under insulated costs homeowners more to heat. High quality insulation is worth the upfront cost because it decreases energy bills over time.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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