Our early snowstorm this fall and the cold nights we’ve been having in Northern Colorado remind us: winter is coming! In light of the new Time-of-Day pricing in Fort Collins and the added expense of heating your home during these colder months, use these tips to increase your home energy efficiency this winter:
- Mind your Windows – Windows, especially in older homes, are notoriously drafty, letting the warm air out and cool air in. If you can feel cool air seeping into your home through the windows, you should try to seal them caulking to stop the leakage. If that’s not an option, at the very least, cover your windows with thick blinds. This will go a long way toward improving your home energy efficiency.
- Mind Your Heating System – If you haven’t had your heating system checked out in a couple years, now’s the time! Giving your system a tune-up will ensure it is operating not only safely but also as efficiently and possible.
- Upgrade Your Holiday Lights – One of the biggest electricity draws this time of year is the added holiday home decorations. If you haven’t yet, upgrade your lights to high-performing LEDs to make sure your system is as efficient as possible.
- Take Advantage of the Sunlight – As long as your windows aren’t drafty, take advantage of the Colorado sun when you can. Open your blinds on south-facing windows in the morning to let the sun warm up the home naturally as much as you can.
- Use Smart Home Thermostats – By using smart home technology, you can set your home’s thermostat to turn on only when you need it. This will keep you from wasting energy when you’re not there. Click here to learn more about why you should consider investing in smart home tools this winter.
- Consider Time-of-Day Pricing – Don’t forget, Fort Collins now charges for electricity based on the time of day you use it. This system is known as Time-of-Day pricing and can make your energy bill three times higher if you’re using the heat and other high-energy-use appliances during peak hours. Learn more here about Time-of-Day pricing and how you can avoid paying more.
- Consider Solar – While you can’t avoid heating your Northern Colorado home in the winter, you can offset your energy costs by adding solar panels to your home or office. Learn more about how solar panels work and how they can help save on your energy bills this winter.
Ready to improve your home energy efficiency this winter? Sandbox Solar is here to help you convert your house into a smart home and determine if solar panels are right for your home. Click here to learn more about our services and contact us to get started!
