In Texas, September is considered a transitional month, where the heat of summer gradually begins to give way to the cooler temps of a new season—the beginning of fall. So we thought it would be a great time to share a few easy ways to cut down on your electricity bill when the weather starts to cool down. Here are four ways to save energy this fall:
Try Steam for the Senses
A humidifier is a great way to feel warmer when it’s cold—especially when it’s a dry cold. A slight moisture in the air fools your body into feeling warmer. And that means you can turn the heat down even lower to save energy. It’s great for houseplants, too. And it keeps your skin hydrated.
Additionally, you can also increase warmth by changing the direction your ceiling fans spin. In colder months, fans should be set to rotate clockwise. They can usually be adjusted by a switch on the underside of the fan’s motor housing—you might need a stepladder. With your fans set this way, they’ll help disperse the warmer air that collects near ceilings throughout your home.
Use Windows and Doors to Trap Heat
Did you know about 1/3 of the average home’s energy loss for heating and cooling is through windows and doors?
When temperatures start to cool but you’ve still got sunny skies, open your curtains and blinds on south-facing windows and doors so the sun’s solar warmth can help heat your home. When it gets even cooler in the evening, close them up again to help keep the warm air in.
Also, consider purchasing insulated curtains—they really make a difference when it comes to keeping things toasty. And make sure you don’t have any air leaks around your windows and doors. Small leaks can be sealed with silicone caulking or new weather stripping.
Get a Thermostat That Thinks
Experts recommend keeping your home at 68 degrees when the weather gets cool. This keeps things comfortable without overtaxing your heating system. But this doesn’t just mean set it and forget it. You’ll save even more if you can manage those temps throughout the day—and for different scenarios. But that can take a lot of guesswork. Solution: Get a Google Nest Learning Thermostat.
The Nest thermostat programs itself, remembering the temperatures you like and adjusting itself to your schedule. It can be controlled from anywhere with a phone, laptop or tablet. And the best part: It can help you cut up to 12% off your heating bill.
Feel Good With New Filters
It’s easy to forget to change your home’s HVAC filter. But you’ll want to stay on top of keeping those old, dusty filters swapped out with new ones if you want your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible. Air filters help cut down on allergen and dirt particles. And if you don’t replace them, your system will clog up, cutting air flow and causing strain.
Remember to check your filters at least once a month—this is when most people change them. Or consider joining a filter delivery service like Second Nature. They’ll deliver filters to your door each time you’re due to swap out those old ones.
And while you’re at it, check to make sure you don’t have any objects in your home that block heating vents. This, too, can cause undue strain on your HVAC system.
Thanks for reading along. We hope these four ways to save energy this fall help. Stay tuned to our blog and social media as we post throughout the year about even more ways to save.
