As the seasons change, your home may struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature. During winter, you may spend a fortune on heating, whereas in summer, you may sweat due to a lack of proper cooling. Together, these forces could offset your budget plans for the year and impact the environment by adding to your carbon footprint. However, there are a few measures that you can take to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable for all climates. In this article, we’ll share tips on setting up your home to deal with all temperatures this year.
Optimize Your Insulation
Insulation is commonly associated with keeping your home warm, but it is equally important in the summer months, too. Heat is more likely to enter your home through openings such as windows and doors. This can be easily prevented by ensuring that your home is well-insulated. Adding caulking in gaps around doors and windows, patching the gaps in walls or attics, and closing off unnecessary vents can all help to improve your insulation and keep the temperature consistent.
Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
Poor-quality windows and doors can be a significant cause of energy loss. During winter, your home’s warm air quickly escapes through poorly insulated windows and doors, and during summer, heat can come in, leading to increased cooling costs. If your windows or doors are older than 15, consider upgrading them to energy-efficient models. Low-E glass, vinyl frames, or fiberglass are some of the best options that minimize energy loss and keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you set up a temperature schedule matching your daily routine. During the winter, set it up for a lower temperature when you’re away but higher temperatures when you’re present. You can then reverse this setting for the summer months. This will help you save on energy costs and eliminate the need to adjust your thermostat manually.
Invest in Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an affordable way to improve your home's cooling and heating capability. Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning to distribute cool air evenly throughout the room during summer. In winter, run the fan in reverse mode, pushing warm air trapped near the ceiling downwards, making rooms feel warmer.
Enroll in Utility Company Programs
Most utility companies offer programs that help customers to manage their energy consumption. These programs include incentives such as rebates, discounts, and other forms of financial assistance for home upgrades, such as installing solar panels, insulation, or energy-efficient appliances. Contact your utility company to find out what programs they offer.
By optimizing your insulation, upgrading your windows and doors, installing a programmable thermostat, investing in ceiling fans, and enrolling in utility company programs, you can significantly improve your home's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Not only will these measures help you save on energy costs, but they will also help the environment by minimizing your carbon footprint. We hope that you found this guide useful and informative, and we encourage you to take action and start making these changes in your home today!
