8 small tips for big energy savings this fall

All summer you’ve been blasting the air conditioning, heating the pool, and maybe even running the dryer more than you should be. As we move into fall, perhaps it’s time to think about ways you can save energy and money on your next bill as the nights get longer and the weather gets cooler.

Though there are several substantial changes you can make to optimize your new home for the winter, you don’t have to spend money on a Nest system or re-insulate your entire home to see some savings on your next energy bill. There are a number of small and relatively inexpensive tricks and habits that you can adopt to make sure your home is running at optimum efficiency. Collectively, these will add up to both save you money and help you create a more sustainable home.

Below we’ve compiled some easy tips and tricks to help you prep for the cool weather.

Prevent heat from rising

As we settle into fall, the nights are going to start getting cooler and you’ll be turning up the heat before you know it. Warm air rises, and the chimney will quickly become one space susceptible to massive heat loss. If you live in a home with a real fireplace, try using a chimney balloon to keep hot air from escaping and save up to $100 per year in the process.

If you have ceiling fans you can also keep heat from rising by switching the blades so that they are situated in the clockwise position. This will help push rising warm air back down to the ground where you’re watching TV or sleeping.

Use energy efficient light bulbs

By now we should all know that energy-efficient bulbs are a great strategy for reducing your energy bill and creating a more sustainable home. Stop procrastinating and install energy efficient light bulbs around your home this season. Indoors, it’s best to use CFLs or LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than your average incandescent bulb. Outdoors, try to use halogen lights and install timers just in case you forget to turn them off. If you’re entertaining this winter, try hosting a dinner party lit exclusively by candlelight. You can set the mood, keep the room toasty, and save some energy in the process!

Don’t get greedy with the heat

Turn the heater down at night or when you’ll be away from your home for long periods of time. You save approximately 2% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. You can help heat rooms during the day by keeping your blinds open and allowing the sun to naturally heat your home. If you have radiators here’s a handy tip - take a piece of aluminum foil and place a sheet between the radiator and wall. This little trick will help reflect heat back into the room and keep you toasty.

Change your eating habits

You can also save energy while cooking by making some small changes to your diet. It takes more energy to produce and cook meat and dairy goods than plant-based meals. Incorporating more vegetarian meals into your diet will save some energy (and perhaps make you healthier in the process). Additionally, the more food you keep in your fridge the easier it is for your fridge to stay cool. Keeping the fridge full will actually save you energy in the long run!   

Eliminate “energy vampires”

Energy vampires are appliances that run up your energy when you’re not actively using them. Unplug these non-essential electronics and appliances at night to avoid drawing extra electricity while you sleep. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average cell phone charger consumes .26 watts of energy when not in use and up to 2.24 watts of energy when a fully charged device is connected. Computers, toasters, cable boxes, and stereos also suck energy from the grid while you rest and are often responsible for adding 10% or more to your monthly bill.

If it’s too inconvenient to unplug these appliances on a nightly basis, Apartment Therapy recommends plugging appliances and electronics into a smart power strip so you can “simply flip the switch to prevent vampire energy.”

Embrace cold water

Everyone knows that it’s best to run the dishwasher and laundry machine when you have a full load to avoid wasted water. However, washing your clothing and dishes with cold rather than warm water can also be a great way to conserve energy. You can save energy by turning your water heater down to about 120°F. If you’re really concerned about energy conservation, the weather is still warm enough to hang your clothing to dry and run the dryer only when you have a full load.

Keep your appliances running efficiently

As we move further into September, consider changing your furnace’s air filter so it’s running at optimum efficiency before the first cold snap hits. A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder, and also allows more dust and bacteria to circulate through your home. You can also conserve energy by checking the air pressure in your tires. Cooler temperatures can lower the air pressure, which will reduce fuel efficiency in your vehicle. Take the car in for a tune up as temperatures start to drop so you don’t waste gas.

Spend the weekend caulking

According to Apartment Therapy, the amount of heat escaping through the cracks in your home could be equivalent to having a window open all year. Spend a little bit of time caulking any susceptible areas in your home (get started with windows, doors, and window air conditioning units).

Did you know that you can also lose heat through small spaces like keyholes, mail slots, and even electrical outlets? Cover keyholes and put plastic stoppers in unused electrical outlets to prevent heat from escaping throughout the winter.

Know any great tips for winterizing the home and cutting energy costs? Share them with us at @NewHomeBuyers or on Facebook, and take the Power Savvy Quiz at The Canadian Electricity Association to learn more about energy consumption in Canada!