5 Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency in Colder Weather
Winter is coming, and we plan to leave the cold outside – and so should you. There are different ways to increase energy efficiency in your home. We have compiled a list of five ways you can keep warm this winter with an investment that will pay off in utility savings.
1. Weather Stripping for your Door
Sealing the gaps around your door will help keep you warmer by preventing airflow between the inside and outside of your home, which in turn enables you to save on energy bills. We can all hear Dad saying, “I’m not paying to heat the outdoors!”
Our Zabitat DTK (door tune-up kit) comes with a door sweep for the bottom of your door and weather stripping seals for the top and sides of your door. This is an easy DIY project and goes on your door in minutes. To maximize energy efficiency, replace your weather stripping every 4-5 years.
2. Update your Front Door Glass
It is estimated that 90 percent of energy lost in doors and windows occurs through glass. Low-e (or low emissivity) glass has a thin, transparent coating that reflects heat, keeping warm air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer. We wrote an article on why we recommend it!
Even better is that you do not have to compromise on style. It is available in clear, privacy, and decorative styles as well as a variety of sizes.
3. Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat can help you stay aware of your energy habits. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by scheduling your thermostat to switch to a lower temperature when you are away from home and at night. The great news? Many insurance companies offer rebates on smart thermostats.
4. Turn on your Ceiling Fan
Sounds crazy, right? But bear with us. Usually, we think of fans for cooling, but it turns out you can use them to warm your floors. As you remember, warm air rises. Turning the ceiling fan to a low setting pushes the warm air down, helping to warm your floors with the heat your furnace has already created. Neat, right?
5. Open Your Blinds To The Sun
During the day, capture the warmth of the sun by opening your blinds and curtains. Then at night, be sure to close them for an extra layer of insulation. Zabitat’s enclosed blinds control the amount of solar heat that enters your home, keeping your home more comfortable. For added energy efficiency, select blinds paired with low-e glass.
How We Can Help
At Zabitat, our goal is to help customers improve their quality of living. From 11/9-11/16/21, update your door with new door glass and receive a free door tune-up kit. For more details, get in touch with us.
