11 Ways to Reduce Heating Costs in Denver
As you may have noticed, Colorado has crazy temperature fluctuations, which can make heating your home a chore. Luckily, we have some great tips to keep your energy costs down in Denver while you deal with warm days and cold nights. These solutions are great for any budget and will keep your heating and cooling costs down throughout the year.
1. Add Solar Window Film
Whether your windows are older or brand new, you can benefit immediately and over the long term with residential window tinting. Our top-of-the-line products from Eastman Chemical Company are designed to keep you comfortable in your home during warm and cool days. You can add a 92 percent boost to your insulation with Vista window film. Additionally, because the film is virtually invisible, you won’t notice a change in your lifestyle. However, you will be trapping your heat indoors during the night while still allowing the sun to heat your home during the day.
2. Lock your windows
There’s an incredibly simple way to keep air from escaping your home, and that’s by locking your windows when you close them. When your window locks, it closes a little bit more and seals the tiny gap between the window and the sill’s weatherstripping. Lock them before we get more snow to ensure they won’t freeze unlocked. Make sure any sliding doors are also locked every time you close them.
3. Check your weatherstripping
This is another simple–but often neglected–fix to keep your winter-proof your home. The weatherstripping on your windows and doors can save you up to 15 percent on your energy bills, but only if they’re functioning properly. If they’re worn out and torn, they won’t be doing their job, which could also lead to moisture problems. Luckily, replacing the seal isn’t too difficult. Also, don’t forget to caulk any cracks around your windows and doors.
4. Adjust your door threshold
If you notice a sliver of light coming out from under your front door, you’re probably losing heat. Adjusting your threshold isn’t particularly difficult, but it can take some time to make sure it’s right. You want to find the perfect balance of as little daylight as possible showing without making it difficult to open and close your door. You also want to keep the weatherstrip from dragging across the threshold because will wear it out quicker.
5. Get a programmable thermostat
First, lower your home’s temperature a few degrees. According to Time magazine, for every degree you drop your thermostat, you save 5 percent in energy costs. Next, upgrade your thermostat to a programmable one. You should be lowering the temperature 10 to 15 degrees for at least eight hours a day. Doing this will cut your costs another 10 percent. Make the process easier by having your thermostat do it automatically.
6. Adjust or upgrade your water heater
During the winter months, reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees will keep your water comfortably and safely warm while reducing the amount of energy used to heat the water. If you’d like to reduce your energy consumption more, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. This will reduce the amount of energy used by only heating up the water you’re using versus having a full tank that needs to be continually heated.
7. Get an energy-efficient furnace
If your furnace is older than 15 years-old, it’s probably time to get a new furnace anyway. Getting an Energy Star-certified furnace can save you up to 20 percent on heating costs. While this may be an expensive undertaking, you can still get a small tax credit for an upgraded system.
8. Insulate exterior wall areas
There are few areas on your exterior wall that may be allowing warm air to escape. These areas are electrical outlets and places where pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables are installed. Repair any caulking that may be damaged around these areas and insulate your outlets if they haven’t been insulated already. For some tips, check out these tips from Popular Mechanic.
9. Seal duct leaks
Something not many people think of when doing winter maintenance is the ducts through which their forced air travels. Leaking ducts can add hundreds of dollars to your heating bill, so it’s important to make sure they’re healthy. Seal any leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape to repair the ductwork. If those don’t work, get professional assistance.
10. Insulate your attic’s access door
No matter how well-insulated your attic is, there may still be air escaping via your access door. To add insulation to the door, attach fiberglass batt insulation using an adhesive. Also, if it doesn’t close all the way, attach a latch to keep it secure.
11. Set your ceiling fan
Did you know that your ceiling fan can be set to help your home stay cozy in the winter? Simply switch its setting to clockwise to circulate warm air downwards.
Are you ready to start saving money by installing your home window tinting in Denver? Call us today at (720) 401- 4940 or send an email for more information: info@homewindowtintingdenver.com.