October is a great time to plan for winterizing your home. To even think about such a thing on the beautiful 77-degree day when I’m writing this almost feels like blasphemy. But winter’s icy grip always arrives sooner than we think, and it’s best to be prepared.
Early autumn’s mild days are ideal for investigating leaks, servicing applicable appliances and HVAC systems, and taking quick, easy and cost-effective steps to keep heat where it belongs — inside your home. Many times, a few simple changes can make all the difference for your wintertime comfort and the amount of your monthly Tipmont bill.
Investor-owned utilities with shareholders to appease might feel differently. As a member-owned co-op, we answer to you. We want you to use less energy. We’ll even give you money back when you buy select energy-efficiency products. We want to sell you only the energy you need and help you find ways to use less.
In that spirit, here are quick tips to consider as you work your way into winter:
- Keep air vents clear: Ensure furniture isn’t blocking vents to better circulate warm air.
- Unplug devices and switch lighting: Unplug what you don’t use and switch to LED lights.
- Check your fireplace: If you have one, close the damper to prevent cold drafts.
- Harness the sun’s power: Open your blinds, shades and drapes during the day to let sunlight warm your home. Close them at night for insulation purposes.
- Turn ceiling fans clockwise: As you turn clocks back each fall, you should turn ceiling fans clockwise. Use low speeds to pull cold air upward and push warm air down to you.
- Replace filters in your HVAC system: Don’t remember when you last did this? That means it’s probably time. Fresh filters help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
- Install a programmable thermostat: Remember the product rebates? We have one for the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which helps you save on heating when you’re not home.
This is general winterizing advice. Every home is unique. That’s where Tipmont’s in-home energy assessments come in — free and available to all Tipmont members.
In 90 minutes or less, our certified energy advisor, Kevin Carpenter, can show you how you can save up to 30% on your monthly energy bill.
Schedule your assessment today and then enjoy the fall weather while it’s still here!
