Your Community in Action!
By ACSET Community Action Agency
School busses and backpacks are everywhere, which can only mean one thing: Summer is coming to an end and cooler weather is on its way. Regardless of how you feel about Michigan winters, saving money is something everyone can appreciate. Tackle these home projects now, before the snow flies, to save energy and money this winter!
- Replace your furnace filter. The Department of Energy recommends replacing your furnace filter once per month (or as directed) when your furnace is in use. If you have pets or smokers in the house, it will likely need to be done more often. A clean filter means your furnace can work more efficiently, saving energy and money!
- Use a programmable thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, be sure to use it. Set temperatures lower when no one is home or at night when sleeping. You can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10 percent a year by lowering your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day.
- Find and stop air leaks. It is estimated that the number of air leaks in the average house adds up to the equivalent of leaving a medium-sized window open all day, everyday. Leaks are most often found around windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. Stop any air leaks you find using caulk, seal or weather stripping.
- Seal air ducts. Air ducts carry air from your furnace to each room in your home. If there are leaks in your air ducts, you are losing heat to spaces in your walls, ceilings and floors. Look for joints in your ducts that have come loose or have obvious holes. Use tape to seal any leaks found. The Department of Energy recommends tape with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo on it.
- Weatherize Windows. Windows can let enough warm air escape your home to account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating bill! If you have storm windows, install them now to decrease heat loss when the weather turns cold. To further reduce heat loss install clear plastic film on the inside of your window frames. Closing curtains and shades at night will also lessen cold drafts. Open them back up during the day to allow natural sunlight to warm your house.
Learn more DIY projects to save money and energy with the Energy Saver Guide. Prefer an expert opinion on weatherizing your home for winter? Get a professional energy audit. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides free home energy audits and weatherization services to eligible low-income households. To learn more and see if you qualify, contact ACSET CAA at 616.336.4000.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
