Winter Energy Saving Tips for Covina Homeowners

As winter approaches here in Covina, we're all looking for ways to keep our homes warm without breaking the bank. Heating costs can really add up, and nobody likes a chilly house. We've put together some simple tips to help you make the most of your home's energy efficient heating and cut down on those winter energy bills. Let's get started on making our homes cozier and more affordable this season.

Key Takeaways

• We can stop warm air from escaping by sealing up gaps around windows and doors. This helps our heating systems work less.

• Adding more insulation to our attics and walls keeps the heat inside where we want it. It's a good way to improve energy efficient heating.

• Setting our thermostats wisely and keeping our heaters tuned up saves money and keeps us comfortable. Regular check-ups on our heating system are important.

Maximize Your Home's Energy Efficient Heating

Keeping our homes warm during the colder months in Covina doesn't have to mean sky-high energy bills. We can take steps to make sure our heating systems are working as efficiently as possible. It's all about making sure the heat we generate stays inside where we want it.

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Think of your home like a big balloon. If there are tiny holes, the air inside escapes, and the cold air from outside gets in. This is especially true around windows and doors. We often don't notice these small gaps, but they add up. Sealing these leaks is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy.

Here's how we can tackle those drafts:

• Check for drafts: On a windy day, carefully run your hand around the edges of your windows and doors. You might feel a cool breeze. You can also use a lit incense stick or a thin piece of tissue paper; if it moves, you've found a leak.

• Weatherstripping: This is a flexible material that sticks to the edges of doors and windows. It compresses when the door or window is closed, creating a seal. It comes in different types, like foam tape or rubber gaskets.

• Caulking: For stationary gaps, like where window frames meet the wall, caulk is the way to go. It's a flexible sealant that hardens. Make sure to get the right kind for indoor or outdoor use, depending on the location.

• Door sweeps: These attach to the bottom of your doors to block drafts coming in from underneath.

We found that even small gaps, like the ones around older window frames, were letting a surprising amount of cold air into our living room. Adding some simple weatherstripping made a noticeable difference in how quickly the room heated up and stayed warm.

Upgrade Insulation for Optimal Warmth

Insulation is like a cozy blanket for your house. It slows down heat transfer, keeping the warm air inside during winter and the cool air inside during summer. While it might seem like a bigger project, adding or improving insulation can pay off significantly in the long run.

Consider these areas:

• Attic Insulation: This is often the most important place to add insulation. Heat rises, so a lot of warmth can escape through an uninsulated or poorly insulated attic. We should check the depth and condition of our attic insulation. Adding more might be a good idea.

• Wall Insulation: If your home is older, the walls might not have much insulation. While this is a more involved job, it can make a big difference. Sometimes, blown-in insulation can be added to existing walls.

• Basement and Crawl Space Insulation: Don't forget about the areas below your main living space. Insulating these areas helps keep the floors above warmer and can also reduce moisture problems.

We want to make sure our homes are comfortable without wasting energy. By taking care of these insulation needs, we're investing in a warmer home and lower utility bills for years to come.

Smart Strategies for Lower Winter Energy Bills

Keeping our homes warm during the colder months in Covina doesn't have to mean a shock when the energy bill arrives. We can take some simple, smart steps to manage our heating use better and save some money. It's all about being a bit more mindful of how we use energy.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Adjusting your thermostat is one of the easiest ways to cut down on heating costs. We don't need to keep the house at a high temperature all day, especially when we're not home or when we're asleep. Think about setting it a few degrees lower when you're out or tucked in bed. Even a small change can make a difference over time.

• Lower the temperature by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. This can help reduce your heating bill by as much as 10 percent.

• Consider a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, so you don't have to remember to do it manually.

• When you are home and want to feel warmer, try using blankets or wearing warmer clothes instead of immediately turning up the heat.

Maintain Your Heating System Regularly

Just like any other appliance, your heating system needs a little attention to work its best. Regular check-ups can prevent bigger problems down the road and make sure it's running efficiently. A well-maintained system uses less energy to produce the same amount of heat.

• Schedule an annual tune-up with a qualified HVAC technician. They can check for any issues, clean the components, and make sure everything is operating safely and efficiently.

• Change or clean your air filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and use more energy. Check them monthly and replace or clean them as needed.

• Keep the area around your furnace or heat pump clear of clutter. This ensures proper airflow and prevents potential hazards.

Taking care of your heating system isn't just about saving money; it's also about safety and comfort. A system that's running smoothly is less likely to break down when you need it most, and it will keep your home at a comfortable temperature without wasting energy.

Here's a quick look at how often you should perform some basic maintenance:

Task	Frequency
Check/Replace Air Filter	Monthly
Inspect Vents	Quarterly
Professional Tune-Up	Annually

Wrapping Up Our Energy Saving Efforts

So, we've gone over a few ways we can all cut down on our energy use this winter here in Covina. It might seem like a lot at first, but even small changes can add up. Think about sealing up those drafts or maybe adjusting your thermostat a bit. We're all in this together, trying to keep our homes warm without breaking the bank. Let's give these tips a try and see how much we can save. It’s good for our wallets and good for the planet, too. We hope this helps make your winter a little cozier and a lot more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we stop warm air from escaping our house in winter?

We can make sure our windows and doors are sealed up tight. Little gaps let the warm air out and the cold air in. Using caulk or weatherstripping around these areas is a simple fix that makes a big difference in keeping our homes cozy and saving energy.

What's the best way to use our thermostat to save money?

We should try not to keep the heat cranked up all the time. When we're sleeping or not home, we can turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Smart thermostats can even do this for us automatically, helping us save energy without even thinking about it.

Why is it important to take care of our heating system in the winter?

Just like our cars need regular check-ups, our heating systems do too! When we have our furnace or heater looked at by a professional before winter really hits, it runs better and more efficiently. This means it won't have to work as hard to keep us warm, which saves us money on our energy bills and helps prevent breakdowns when we need it most.