7 Tips to Maximize Efficiency in Your Fairfax, VA, Home This Winter

During the winter, you harness the tools available to keep your home and everyone who lives there warm. However, our homes aren’t always as energy-efficient as they could be, often due to the choices we make. Below are seven tips to maximize the efficiency of your Fairfax, VA, home this winter.

Install New Doors or Windows

Doors and windows are the gateways to drafts, and at least one-third of your home’s heat exits through them. Ways to reduce the energy you lose through doors and windows include sealing window edges with caulk or using weather stripping for both windows and doors.

If existing windows have cracked glass or damaged wood, it’s best to replace them. Installing storm windows is another good idea, as not only are they energy efficient, but they also reduce outside noise.

Insulate Your Home

Proper home insulation goes a long way toward reducing your energy bills, and it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation also reduces noise levels and pollutants inside the home.

The EPA states that by effectively insulating their attics floors, crawl spaces and basements, homeowners save an average of 15% on their heating costs. When you properly insulate your home, you reduce the amount of energy you need to keep it comfortable all winter.

Switch to LED or CFL Bulbs

Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs saves you money, as this simple switch reduces the energy required for lighting your home by 50% to 75%. Conversely, traditional light bulbs only convert 10% of the energy they use into light.

CFL bulbs last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and use 75% less energy, but they contain mercury. LEDs last 50,000 hours, which is 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and they use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.

Use Programmable Thermostats

A great way to up your energy efficiency and save money on heating costs this winter is to install a programmable thermostat. This device automatically turns down the temperature at night or turns it off when there’s nobody at home.

According to Energy Star, homeowners can save up to 30% on their heating bills by reducing the amount of heat they use. Another benefit a programmable thermostat brings you is that you spend less time adjusting your thermostat. You can also set the thermostat to follow a schedule.

Replace or Clean Air Filters

Replacing or cleaning the air filters in your HVAC system has several benefits. When your air filters are dirty, your heating system has to work even harder to provide the same level of comfort, thereby decreasing its energy efficiency. Cleaning or replacing your air filter also has the benefit of improving your indoor air quality by keeping your air free of dust, dander, pollen and other contaminants.

Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

A traditional water heater works by heating and reheating the water it holds in a tank. The only issue is that it heats and reheats the water even when you don’t need it, thereby wasting energy. On the other hand, a tankless water heater heats water on demand and delivers a supply of hot water only when you need it.

Use Sunlight

You don’t have to equip your home with solar panels to use the power of sunlight. When the sun is out, or it’s even partly sunny, open your curtains and blinds to allow sunlight into your home.

This allows the light to warm your home, reducing the effort on your HVAC system. Before the sun goes down, close your curtains and blinds to keep the heat from the sun inside your home longer.

Maximizing the efficiency of your home keeps your heating system reliable. In an emergency, our trained service technicians can provide you with accurate and affordable solutions. Contact us at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning today for all your heating services.

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