Minnesota winters can be long and bitter, so now’s the time to learn tactics for cutting your utility bills. The following 11-point checklist will help lower your bills all winter and beyond:
- Seal drafty windows: Leaks around windows and door frames can account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating bills. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal these leaks, depending on the situation.
- Fix fireplace dampers: Clean the chimney, lubricate the damper and seal the flue if you don’t plan to light a fire this winter.
- Stop standby energy waste: Electronics in “standby” mode consume small amounts of energy that really add up over time. Unplug chargers and use power strips as turn-off points to help prevent standby energy waste.
- Replace the storage tank water heater: If it’s time to upgrade the water heater, consider a more efficient tankless model. If you stick with a tank-style heater, insulate it to help save energy.
- Stop under-door air infiltration: Install a sweep seal, an inexpensive do-it-yourself project great for cutting your utility bills.
- Seal leaky ducts: Fix loose joints and seal duct leaks with duct mastic or metal tape to cut leakage by up to 15 percent. Don’t use duct tape.
- Replace the over-worked fridge: Choose an Energy Star approved model that runs more efficiently and makes the goal of cutting your utility bills a reality.
- Seal exterior wall openings: Unsealed exterior wall penetrations let outdoor air in. Fill small gaps with caulk and larger holes up to one inch wide with expanding spray foam.
- Seal the attic hatch: Attach rigid foam insulation to the attic-side of the hatch and use foam tape around the edges to form a gasket-like seal.
- Insulate switches and outlets: Install foam gaskets behind switch plates and outlets located in exterior walls.
- Replace the outdated furnace: Today’s furnaces are up to 97 percent efficient, making them a much better option for cutting your utility bills than an outdated furnace with less than 80 percent efficiency. When it’s time for an upgrade, be sure to choose an energy-efficient furnace. The AFUE rating will give you that efficiency percentage.
To learn more about cutting your utility bills, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning in the Twin Cities metro area today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about cutting your utility bills and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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