5 Ways to Prepare for Shorter Winter Days

As winter approaches in Macon, GA, you may be dreading the reduction in daylight hours. However, spending more time inside due to shorter days doesn’t have to result in outrageous utility bills. You can keep your home comfortable and inviting even on the shortest and chilliest days of the year by taking time to winterize your home now. Following are five important steps to consider in preparing for the coming season of low temperatures and limited sunlight.

1. Air Sealing

Home sealing is a crucial aspect of retaining heat in your home. Caulk and weather stripping should be checked at windows and doors to ensure that brittle or deteriorating materials are identified and replaced. You can keep these supplies on hand so that repairs can be made as needed. As you identify new leaks or drafts during the winter months, act promptly to prevent excessive energy loss. Additionally, check your attic’s insulation levels. You can add more insulation if the floor joists are visible in the area. According to ENERGY STAR, these two measures can save about 10 percent on your energy bills each year.

You will also want to be sure that leaks in your ductwork are sealed. Leaky ducts can lead to the loss of 30 to 40 percent of heating energy. Sealing of these leaks can make an important difference in both household comfort management and energy costs.

2. Window Treatments

Windows can be a serious source of energy loss during the cooler months of the year. With sunset times being earlier on these chilly days, you will probably be inclined to draw curtains earlier. It is helpful to recognize that conventional drapes can reduce energy loss at the windows by about 10 percent. Leaving curtains drawn throughout the day may result in even greater savings. You can also improve your retention of heat by transitioning to insulated curtains.

3. New Lightbulbs

When the days are shorter, there is a greater use of artificial lighting in the home. You may be inclined to limit your use of electric lighting due to power bills, but with more efficient bulbs you can improve the brightness in your home without overwhelming your budget. LED lightbulbs can save between 75 and 90 percent more than incandescent options, making it possible to light your home sufficiently without costing your household extra money. The bulbs can be a little more expensive, but if you replace one or two bulbs at a time, you can gradually transition. Furthermore, these bulbs can last between 10 and 20 years.

4. Thermostat Settings

By maintaining an inside temperature of 68 degrees, you may be able to save approximately $60 on seasonal heating. With setting adjustments for periods of inactivity, you can increase these savings even more. Every degree of change represents up to a 1 percent change in energy usage. Make your programmable thermostat work for you.

5. Heating Maintenance

Conditioned Air, Inc. offers important heating maintenance to address your safety and energy efficiency needs each fall. As we inspect your equipment, we make adjustments as needed. We also inform you of broken parts or other repair issues that could lead to problems during chilly weather. System optimization ensures that your equipment operates efficiently and safely during the chilly Macon, GA, winter. Call us for an appointment today.