How can I save on my energy bill this fall?

Summer has given us a last hurrah here in northern Fairfield and northern Westchester counties, but cooler weather will arrive sooner or later (probably sooner), and with it will come heating bills.

Want to keep those bills as low as possible? Here are eight ways to do it:

1. Remove all window air conditioners – You may be tempted to leave window A/Cs in, but don’t do it. Air leaks are the enemy of home energy efficiency, and window air conditioner mounts leak air like crazy. Take your A/C out for the season – or better yet, take it out permanently: ductless air conditioner systems are a much better value. If window units must stay in place, seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket.
2. Fix air leaks – Speaking of air leaks: did you know that as much as 20 percent of your heating bill payment literally goes right out the window (and doors)? Caulking windows and installing door sweeps and weather stripping are simple measures that will more than pay for themselves in energy savings – and keep your family more comfortable, too.
3. Upgrade insulation, especially in the attic – Most homes (especially older ones) are under-insulated – a costly mistake when you consider the amount of conditioned air you lose through your roof and walls. At a minimum, make sure your attic ceiling is insulated to proper R-values, and address floors that connect to unconditioned spaces such as your basement or crawlspace.
4. Drop the temperature on your water heater – The default temperature on many water heaters can be as high as 140 degrees – much higher than it needs to be for typical household use. For every 10ºF reduction in temperature, you can save from three to five percent on your water heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of energy. Aim for 120 degrees F for the best balance of comfort and efficiency.
5. Wrap your water heater – Touch your water heater storage tank. Is it warm or hot? Then it’s losing heat to the cold air in your basement. You can avoid this “standing loss” by wrapping the heater in an insulating blanket. Want an even better way to save money when you heat your water? Install a tankless water heater, which avoids water storage (and standing loss) altogether.
6. Use your programmable thermostat – Most people have a programmable thermostat these days, but most don’t know how to use them. That’s a shame, because programming your thermostat is one of the easiest ways we know to save money on your heating (and cooling) bills.
7. Maintain your heating equipment – Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your heating oil or propane heating equipment running at its best and avoiding costly heating system repairs. If you’re tempted to skip your annual heating system tune-up, don’t – not even if you have a new system. For an even better value, sign up for a Casey Heating Service Plan.
8. Consider a furnace or boiler upgrade – Installing a new, high-efficiency furnace or boiler can save you 30 percent or more on your monthly heating bill. The unit will likely pay for itself in as little as three years.

Contact Casey Energy today and get your fall savings underway with expert heating system maintenance and installations in CT and NY!