At Blenheim Homes, we're proud to build energy efficient homes! But winter still has its way of taking a toll on winter utility bills. The groundhog may have implied that Spring is right around the corner, but we're not out to the cold just yet! We put together a mid-winter checklist using tips we found on Energy.Gov to help maximize home energy efficiency:
Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun
Blenheim homes are designed to bring in as much light as possible! Make sure you're utilizing that resource, whether from your windows or a sunroom!
- Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
- Be certain to plant deciduous trees on the south facing side of the home, especially in proximity to windows. They will let the light and warmth in the windows during the winter and will shade the windows in the summer.
Tips for Adjusting the Temperature
Everyone knows to keep the thermostat in check to help with heating costs, but there are ways to fine tune those savings even further!
- When you are home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable.
- When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. But make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets!
- If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
- Keep the temperature of the water heater to the warm setting (120°F). This will not only save energy, it will also help avoid scalding or drying out skin.
Reduce Heat Loss from Your Fireplace
Fireplaces are a great fixture in any home! But the care and maintenance of them can make a difference in your home efficiency.
- Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
- When using the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly--approximately 1 inch--and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.
- If the fireplace is never used, plug and seal the chimney flue.
- Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
- Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible.
- Add caulking around the fireplace hearth. Find out more techniques to improve your fireplace or wood-burning appliance's efficiency.
These are just a few steps you can take in ensuring that your Blenheim Home stays as efficient is possible though the rest of these cold winter weeks throughout Delaware!