When the temperatures drop, it’s clear that winter is coming soon. And if you live in the northeastern U.S., you know that winters are no joke! So, before the coldest of the cold arrives, both home and business owners should adequately prepare.

Preparing for winter is crucial to staying warm, reducing energy costs, and protecting your property from potential damage. So, grab a blanket, and let’s explore some energy-saving tips to prep for the cold ahead.

Seal Leaks and Insulate

During the winter, the key to comfort is keeping warm air in and cold air out. The best way to do that is to ensure there are no gaps or cracks in your windows, doors, or other openings. This is especially important if your home or building is old. Old windows tend to leak – and can be responsible for up to 30% of your heating costs.

You can inspect each opening for drafts by using a candle. Hold it near the opening, and if the flame flickers, there’s air creeping in. Seal any leaks with caulk or weatherstripping. To prevent heat loss, you can also place draft snakes or rolled towels under doors.

Another vital temperature regulator is insulation – yes, that pink, fluffy stuff in your attic, walls, and basement! The air in your home self-regulates, meaning warm air flows to cool areas until all areas are the same temperature. This includes colder, uninhabited areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Insulation helps reduce this heat flow, keeping warm air where it’s meant to be. Before winter rolls around, ensure your attic, walls, and basement are well-insulated.

Schedule Maintenance

When you first turned on your heating system, it was likely six or more months since you’ve used it. To make sure everything is still working correctly, it’s recommended that a professional service your furnace at least once per year to identify any potential/existing problems—preventing you from being left in the cold this winter.

Also make sure to replace your air filters,. The frequency depends on the thickness of your filter. Dirty filters cause your HVAC system to work harder, which uses more energy. They can also cause your HVAC system to shut off prematurely, limiting the amount of heat circulating in your home. Not to mention, dirty air filters affect air quality and your well-being.

Use Heat Efficiently

Did you know more than half of a household’s annual energy consumption is used for heating and cooling? So, heating efficiently is key to saving on your energy bills.

• Bundle up Layer up with warm clothing like fuzzy socks and thick sweatshirts instead of cranking up the heat to 75 degrees.
• Use electric blankets. Another reason to turn down the heat – electric blankets. On average, electric blankets cost just four cents an hour to run, making them a highly energy-efficient form of heating.
• Reverse your ceiling fans. Most people think ceiling fans are a way to cool down, but that’s not their only function. Since heat rises, reversing your fans so they spin clockwise (at a low speed) helps push the warm air down, which makes the space feel warmer.
• Use space heaters. If many rooms are unoccupied, you may benefit from using space heaters instead of centralized heat. If you do choose to use a space heater, make sure it’s an energy-efficient model and follow its safety instructions.
• Adjust the heat when you’re away and while sleeping. If your home or business is unoccupied, turn down your heat. The recommended indoor temperature during the winter is 68 degrees while you’re home and awake and 60-65 while you sleep. Not only will it save you money on heating, but it’s actually proven to be the most comfortable sleep temperature.

Inspect Your Exterior

Effectively prepare for the cold by ensuring the outside of your building or home is in tip-top shape. If you can do so safely, inspect the roof to ensure shingles are secure and the flashing is intact to prevent leaks and heat loss. Loose or missing shingles can end up costing you a lot if left untouched – especially if a big snowstorm comes!

Don’t forget to inspect your gutters. Many people tend to neglect them because they are somewhat hidden from view (out of sight, out of mind). Clear out any leaves or debris that may have accumulated over the fall. Clean gutters help reduce the likelihood of ice dams, or ridges of ice that form along the edges of your roof. They can prevent snow from properly draining off, which could cause water damage.

We hope you can use these energy-efficient tips to prep for the cold and take advantage of the fun that winter offers. Interested in learning more energy-efficient tips? Visit our blog or contact the experts at UGI Energy Services today!