Quick Weekend Wins for a More Efficient Home
The crisp mornings are back, football is on TV, and cozy season is just around the corner. Before cooler temperatures settle in, spend a weekend tackling a few simple projects that can help improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency all fall and winter long.
Seal Out Chilly Drafts
Take a walk around your home and check for gaps around windows, doors, and anywhere pipes or cables enter your house. Adding fresh caulk or weatherstripping helps keep warm air inside and cool air where it belongs.
Replace Your HVAC Filter
Your heating system will soon be working harder. Starting the season with a clean air filter helps improve airflow, supports indoor air quality, and can help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Many ceiling fans have a small switch that changes the blade direction. Set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed during the fall and winter to help push warm air back down into the room.
Clear Heating Vents
Move furniture, baskets, or curtains away from floor and wall vents so warm air can circulate freely. While you’re at it, vacuum dust from vent covers for a quick seasonal refresh.
Let the Sunshine In
As temperatures cool, take advantage of free natural warmth. Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during sunny afternoons, then close them after sunset to help keep the warmth inside.
Upgrade Your Lighting
With shorter days ahead, you’ll likely be turning on the lights earlier. Replacing older bulbs with LED bulbs in your most-used rooms can help reduce energy use while providing bright, long-lasting light.
Tidy Up Around Your Outdoor Unit
If you have a heat pump, clear away leaves, branches, and other debris around the outdoor unit. Maintaining a few feet of open space allows it to operate more efficiently throughout the season.
Program Your Thermostat
If you use a programmable or smart thermostat, now is a great time to update your schedule for cooler weather. Lowering the temperature a few degrees while you’re asleep or away can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Check Your Fireplace
If you plan to use your fireplace this season, make sure the damper opens and closes properly. When it’s not in use, keeping the damper closed helps prevent warm indoor air from escaping up the chimney.
