With cooler weather comes several things: fall colors, crisp evenings, and the need to turn on the furnace! With October being National Energy Awareness Month, this seems like the perfect time to learn more about how to most efficiently heat our homes during the upcoming winter months. Home weatherization focuses on various aspects of winter heating and summer cooling. It is important for reducing energy costs, assuring personal comfort, and keeping our homes healthy.
The US Department of Energy states that the recommended setting for a home thermostat is 68 degrees when home and awake. For those with young children or people with lung conditions, they recommend that 70 degrees (or a bit higher) could be appropriate. If your household keeps things much warmer than these recommendations, please note that you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree that you turn your thermostat down during the winter. For those who have programmable (smart) thermostats, consumers can save as much as 10% each year by turning back by 7-10 degrees while away at work. It can be well worth putting on an extra sweater or heavier socks while at home to add that kind of savings on your winter heating bills!
There are many other tips for reducing heating costs through the winter months. Some from the Crawfordsville Electric Light and Power Energy Efficiency Tips include:
• Seal windows and doors to eliminate drafts coming into the home. This can be done as simply as making sure windows are securely shut or with more advanced methods for insulating windows and ductwork.
• Use sunlight to heat your home. Keep blinds and curtains open in the day and closed at night.
• Keep furniture and drapes away from heating vents so air can flow freely.
• Have a professional check your heating/cooling system once each year to ensure things are running efficiently.
Having an energy audit done on your home can also lead to suggestions that assist with energy efficiency. For households whose income are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program is specifically designed to reduce energy costs in low-income households with an emphasis on health and safety. For Montgomery, Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Benton, and Warren county residents, these services are provided through the Community Action Program, Inc. of Western Indiana. You can reach out to 765-793-4881 to see if you or a family member might qualify for the no-cost weatherization services.
It’s important for all of our communities and neighbors stay warm and healthy during the winter months. By adding a few energy-saving tips, this can be done while also lowering heating costs. These small, simple changes can add up to big money savings. We encourage all households to honor National Weatherization Day, which is recognized on October 30, by changing your furnace filter. This allows the house, and the people living inside of it, to breathe healthy air!
This column was provided by the Community Action Program Inc. of Western Indiana.
