Recent studies have found that as energy costs continue to rise, more and more people are opting to sacrifice their basic needs and comfort during the cold winter months. This can be especially true for people who do not have access to alternative energy sources like solar power systems in Frederick or elsewhere and thus are left at the mercy of local energy providers who continue to hike up prices in the wake of the impending fossil fuel crisis.

Obviously, this is all the more reason to consider smarter, more cost-effective and eco-friendly energy solutions like solar panels for your home in Frederick, but during the winter when electricity usage tends to dramatically jump, everybody can benefit from putting these easy pointers to help them limit their electricity consumption into action.

So, in addition to installing future-friendly solar panels in Arvada, or anywhere else for that matter, what are some simple ways that homeowners can cut their energy costs and reliance during those chilly months of winter? Read on to find out.

Replace Outdated Lightbulbs in Favor of Energy Friendly Alternatives

For most people, changing out their outdated lightbulbs in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives like energy-efficient LED lighting might not be a top priority during winter. After all, taking the initiative does require an up-front investment, and the perks might not be readily apparent since most people tend to underestimate just how much it actually costs to light their homes.

However, the reality that during times when homeowners are dealing with the need to use more electricity, they will benefit more than ever from having smart long-term solutions like LED light bulbs and solar panels in Arvada already in place. Taking the initiative to switch over to smarter everyday energy usage technology will not only minimize the sting of essential winter heating costs but will continue to pay off infinitely in the future as well.

Combine this with the fact that LED lights are not only designed to last decades longer than the average light bulb but use much less electricity on a day-to-day basis means that there is no better time than the present to start saving.

Take Measures to Make the Home Airtight

A little draught might seem relatively benign, but even the smallest gaps in the home will not only allow essential heat to seep out into the great outdoors but will also continue to let all that chilly air in, necessitating the need to use much more energy than what would otherwise be needed. This is going to be especially true on those really chilly or blustery days when the need for extra energy usage tends to become especially pertinent, so it is really important that homeowners tackle any leaks or gaps with gusto during the winter to help keep their energy usage minimal.

Draught excluders or plastic covering can be a great solution for doors and windows. Keep in mind that even surfaces that appear sealed will still be liable to energy seepage during the winter, so it is always better to seal off these particularly vulnerable areas regardless. Store-bought wooden beading or sealant can be a great way to keep exposed cracks at bay, as can eco-friendly solutions like placing blankets at the base of a doorway or using newspapers to stuff any larger exposed cracks. While windows will let in sunlight that naturally heats the home during the day, drawing the curtains and blinds during the evening will likewise add an extra layer of insulation to these particularly exposed areas.

Another often underestimated area that tends to let a lot of warm air out and cold air in during the winter is the floors. Store-bought sealant designed for use on floors or newspaper should likewise do the trick, so make sure to do a thorough inspection. It is easiest to detect cold areas when the mercury drops, so take advantage of bad weather to tackle any leaks and gaps that might be contributing to excess energy usage.

Use Heat Wisely

When it comes to limiting excess heat usage, it not so much about living in the cold as it is being mindful of the times when the heat is not necessary and taking extra precautions to ensure that the heat is turned down when not needed. Thermostats, timers, and thermostatic radars can all be useful investments in this regard, as can smart home technology that allows homeowners to control the heat settings of their home with minimal effort, even when away from the house.

That said, even when the home is in use, there is no need to go overboard with the temperature. Many people tend to overheat their homes in the winter to accommodate the cold temperatures outside while failing to realize that even reducing the interior temperature by a measly one degree can result in major energy savings in the long term. So rather than relying on cranking the heat to stay comfortable, encourage family members to wear plenty of layers, stock up on warm sweaters, double up on socks, and keep plenty of cozy blankets lying around and readily accessible.

Meanwhile, homeowners should not only be conscious of the ways that they are using hot air but also hot water as well. Water heaters use a lot of extra energy that is not needed to supply cooler water, and the less they are activated, the more that homeowners will save. So as tempting as it may seem, try to avoid the urge to soak in the shower forever during the winter. For those who love to soak endlessly in warm water, a bath is a better solution. Likewise, cut out the habit of washing clothes in warm or hot water and switch over to cold water cycles instead. This is actually much better for clothes in the long-run regardless.

Finally, bleeding the radiators on a regular basis can also be a good way to cut down on the need for excess heat used during the winter, since cool air can easily become trapped in the system and cause it to function less efficiently. Likewise, be sure to leave the areas surrounding the vents free of furniture and other obstructions that can block off airflow.

One Final Thing

While anybody can benefit from smart energy habits during the winter, having smart, long-term solutions in place is the best way to avoid getting hit with major cost hikes during the energy months. As any solar company in Firestone will be quick to point out, solar panels in Arvada or anywhere else still continue to net energy savings for homeowners, even when the weather is cold.

This likewise means that now is a great time to call up a solar company in Arvada or the surrounding area to learn more about the benefits that homeowners can enjoy when accessing a natural, fully renewable and cost-free energy source on a year-round basis, so don’t be afraid to reach out and find out more.