As the summer months approach, so do warmer temperatures and higher energy costs. That’s why it is important to know how you can weatherize your home to reduce the effects of those rising temperatures on your wallet. Here in Carbon, Emery, San Juan, and Grand counties in Utah, we have some hot summers that can make cooling a challenge—but with the right techniques in place, you can help beat back costly energy bills while staying comfortable indoors. In this article, we will cover five tips for weatherizing your home that can provide better climate control and save you money!
Install a Programmable Thermostat – this can help you save up to 10% on energy costs while maintaining your desired temperature.
Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to take control of your energy costs. These systems are designed to maintain the temperature you desire, running your HVAC system only when necessary and keeping it from overly running in between settings. This helps save up to 10% on your energy bills in addition to conserving power – all while keeping your house at the perfect level of warmth or coolness. In order to get the most out of the thermostat’s money-saving capabilities, be sure to set different temperatures for each time of day, so you’re not heating or cooling an empty home, and take advantage of vacation settings when necessary. It’s an easy step that can make a big difference in your energy savings!
Add Heat Reflective Material to Windows and Doors – this helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving up to 20% on energy costs.
Heat-reflective material is an easy addition that can help you save up to 20% on your energy costs. Installing it around your windows and doors creates a barrier between the outside temperatures and your home’s interior climate – meaning that in summer warm air will stay out, and cold air will stay in during winter. It’ll stop the 3 ‘troublemakers’: radiation, convection and conduction, while still allowing light to filter through into the space. There are various types of heat reflective film available – with different levels of heat resistance – so be sure to choose one that best suits your needs!
Seal Gaps and Cracks Around the Home’s Exterior – sealing up gaps and cracks can help reduce air leakage and improve insulation.
Having airtight seals around the outside of your home can go a long way in keeping you and your family comfortable while also helping to reduce energy costs. Sealing up gaps and cracks not only helps prevent drafts, but also stops moisture and insects from getting inside the house. Plus, if you have a solid seal, it keeps cold air out during the winter and cool air inside during the summer. To get a good seal all around your exterior, you should inspect for patches of missing insulation or any small cracks due to settling. Once identified, these areas should be filled with appropriate weatherproof material. Taking this step is one of the most important things you can do when weatherizing your home and it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Consider Adding Window Film or Storm Windows – these options both reduce air leakage and help your home retain coolness during the summer months, reducing energy costs by as much as 15%.
Window film or storm windows are great options for weatherizing your home and reducing energy costs. Window film helps to reduce air leakage and can help keep the cool air inside during hot summer months, potentially saving up to 15% on energy bills. Storm windows also help in this regard, as they create an additional barrier between the interior of your house and the outside air, helping to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. They also come in various types of materials, so you can find the one that best complements your design aesthetic.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances – updating old appliances with newer, more efficient models can make a big difference when it comes to energy costs.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a great way to save money on utility bills and help the environment. Updating outdated models with more current, efficient ones can reduce your energy consumption by up to 20%, making it one of the most effective ways to weatherize your home. Not only will you be cutting costs on electricity and gas bills, but you’ll also reduce your emissions of greenhouse gases and limit strain on our global resources. When shopping for new appliances, make sure you check their efficiency ratings and opt for newer models that feature built-in technology like LED lighting to further improve their performance. This is a smart choice when it comes to your wallet as well as the planet!
Weatherizing your home is a great way to save energy, lower your bills, and become more eco-friendly. By following these tips and investing in the right items, you can easily reduce the amount of money you spend on energy costs each month. With the right programmable thermostat, heat reflective material, window film or storm windows, and updated appliances, you can save up to 20% or more on energy costs. Now that you know how weatherizing can help you save money and lower your carbon footprint, it’s time to take action! Start with one or two of these tips today and enjoy the benefits of a weatherized home for years to come.
SEUALG offers free weatherization audits to eligible residents. To learn more call 435-637-5444 or visit https://seualg.utah.gov/index.php/community-services/weatherization/.
