Energy Tips for Winter

Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator

December 21st marks the first day of winter. Even though it is the shortest day of the year, it can be an ideal personal deadline to install some energy efficient measures to help save some dollars and energy around the holidays. Scheduling a day to “walk through” your home or apartment can help put a focus on do-it-yourself energy efficiency. The focus of this walk-through is to note any materials and products you may need to purchase at home improvement stores at low costs to improve energy conservation in your home.

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Notice any obstructions blocking heating registers, remove them so the heat can get into rooms. • Lights can be upgraded to LED Energy

Star labeled lights, to save money and energy. • Windows should be locked and secured, any air sealing around window sashes and panes can be done with energy efficient products found at home improvement stores, renters can do the same but should look for products that will not chip or peal paint.

Rope caulk is an excellent air sealing tool for renters. • For extremely leaky windows or single pane windows, window insulation kits found at home improvement stores, can be installed on either or both of the exterior/ interior of the window. • Doors can be improved by weatherstripping products and door sweeps, a good way to check if you could weather strip a door is to unlock it on a sunny day and look to see if you can see light around the perimeter of the door, if so weather stripping may be needed. • Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can save money and help the occupants of the home utilize the most heat when they are home and awake. Utilities offer thermostats at better rates in online marketplaces, or through promotions. • Penetrations to the outside or floor to floor, can be air sealed to stop air flow, typical places to fine these holes are in the basement around plumping and electric lines, or from floor to floor in a home.

Different foam products and insulation materials can be used to seal these gaps /cracks to the outside or from one floor to the next. • If you have a fireplace, close the damper unless it is in use.

Different products on the marketplace can also help with a fireplace that Sean Welsh, Community Energy Advisor is not used on a regular basis. Items such as sw288@cornell.edu | 845-292-6180 ext. 127 sw288@cornell.edu | 845-292-6180 ext. 127 chimney balloons (these are more expensive than other measures mentioned) can stop drafts, but must be removed prior to the fireplace will be Community Energy Advisor Sean Welsh can be reached at 845-292-6180 ext. used. 127, sw288@cornell.edu, or visit www. • Open your shades in the winter on midhudsonenergychoices.org and fill sunny days to take advantage of heat out the intake sheet on the website to from the sun. discuss your options! • To ensure your equipment is operating as best it ca, have your heating system serviced annually. • If in the market for new holiday lights, consider Energy Star LED lights that are Source:s “Energy Saver.” Energy.gov. cool to the touch when on and use less Accessed October 14, 2020. https://www. wattage than compact fluorescent lights energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver. (CFLs) • If your hot water heater is warm to Tips.” Extension. June 23, 2015. the touch, it can be wrapped in an Accessed October 14, 2020. https:// insulating blanket designed to insulate extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/ uninsulated water tanks. Look up the winter-simple-energy-saving-tips/. manufacturing recommendations for your water heater. “Winter - Simple Energy Saving

Adding insulation and weatherizing by professionals can significantly reduce the loss of heat from your home; consider touching base with a community energy advisor to discuss options for a free home energy assessment and look into what programs you may be eligible for to help with a drafty home.