Tips to Help with Your Fall Energy Bills

It looks like the warmest days of summer are behind us, which means fall and winter are right around the corner. Cooler days can lead to higher energy bills, but there are a few things you can do to trim your energy usage as temperatures cool off.

The most obvious – but easily forgotten – way is to turn off your lights when you leave a room. A dedication to this simple, but effective, routine helps prevent unnecessary usage that can make your energy bill creep up. And don’t forget other lights, like the garage or front porch light (during the day).

If you want to take your energy efficiency to the next level, you can install occupancy sensors around your home or business that will automatically shut the lights off after a certain period of inactivity. They can be found at home improvement stores and online.

Another easy way to save a few kilowatts is to put on additional clothing before turning up the thermostat. When you initially feel cool at home, put on a sweatshirt, coat or hat and see if that helps keep you comfortable before turning up the heat.

You can also take advantage of the sun and natural light and open curtains during the day to help capture a little solar heat. Then make sure to close the curtains when the sun goes down to help keep the heat in.

There are other ways to help prepare your home or business before the fall temperatures get here too. Sealing gaps around windows and doors can reduce energy bills and prevent moisture damage. You can also install a smart thermostat that allows you to easily adjust the temperature of your home – and set a cooler temperature at night while you sleep.

You can visit our website to find rebates on great weatherization projects for your home or business! Visit snopud.com/rebates for information on our current rebates on energy-efficient duct sealing, insulation and windows and sliding glass doors.

It’s also a good idea to clean your furnace or HVAC filters so that they run more efficiently. Schedule seasonal maintenance on your furnace or HVAC system to improve its performance in the colder months.

Finally, don’t forget to adjust your ceiling fan’s direction. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise in the fall and winter to circulate warm air, which naturally rises, and push it away from the ceiling to where you need it most. Most fans have a reversal switch to change the direction. Always make sure your fan is off before adjusting the rotation!

Fall is a beautiful time here in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure you enjoy the season – and make smart changes to keep those energy bills low.