Living in Connecticut offers the benefit of four seasons but one of those is an often bitter cold winter. Starting in November and often lasting through April, the Nutmeg State is known for heavy snow, biting cold winds and ice that make spacious homes expensive to heat. Everyone remembers the heaping amount of snow that buried most of the state in 2012 and there’s no reason not to expect more to come. At the same time, the costs for heating a home steadily rise each year and if you want to have a comfortable place to live without spending a fortune consider some helpful energy saving tips.
Conduct an Energy Audit
It’s hard to cut costs when you don’t know how much energy you are using. Unfortunately most homeowner’s pay as much attention to their utility bills as they do their home insurance policy and end up missing out on potential savings. By doing an energy audit, and checking the amount neighbors pay, you will have a better idea of what you typically consume and can find areas for improvement.
Insulation
According to the Energy Department, only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well-insulated. This doesn’t mean new homes are up to par either. Start with the basement and attic and add enough insulation so you can keep heat inside longer.
Use Programmable Thermostats
Many homeowners make the mistake of cranking the heat and forgetting to turn it down when they leave for work. This means you are paying for heat you don’t use. With a programmable thermostat you can be more careful with the temperature in your home. Set it at a reasonable temperature at night (remember, room temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit) and turn it down when no one is home. According to ConEdison, the electric company for New York City, turning the thermostat back 10% to 15% eight hours a day can cut heating costs up to 10%.
For more information contact By Carrier
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