5 Things You Need To Do in February To Save on Energy Bills
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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During the second month of the year, you might be planning a romantic Valentine’s Day date, crossing your fingers the groundhog sees his shadow and making the most of the long President’s Day weekend. All that time, though, the temperature will likely be cold and you’ll need to have a way to keep your house nice and toasty — while on a budget.
What’s the best way to do this without breaking the bank? GOBankingRates got in touch with a few experts who shared the five things you can do to save on energy bills.
Install Weather Strips
According to Jared Robinson, owner of Robinson Trim, adding weatherstripping around your exterior doors is a cost-efficient way to keep out the cold air during the winter.
“A variety of materials are available to choose from at your local hardware store from foam to rubber and vinyl that can be easily installed,” Robinson said. “Most come with adhesive backings that are easy to apply but if you would like a more permanent solution, nail in strips are available.”
Insulate Your Home
If you already have insulation, think about upgrading and reinstalling it for better results with lowering your energy bill this February.
“In my experience homes with not enough attic insulation lose a lot of heat through the roof. Upgrading to higher R-value insulation or ensuring existing insulation is evenly distributed will reduce energy waste,” said Yan Margulis, home contractor and maintenance expert at Capable Group.
“Adding insulation to walls, crawl spaces and basements will make your home more energy efficient and comfortable during the colder months,” Margulis added.
Use a Door Sweep
In Robinson’s professional opinion, door sweeps are the cheapest way to keep cold air from seeping into your home.
“Door sweeps are placed at the bottom of the door. This is the most common area where air can seep in from the outside. Made from rubber, foam or vinyl, these sweeps can be easily attached to the bottom of your doors exposed to the outside of the home,” he explained.
“First make sure the area is clean when attaching,” Robinson added. “Stick the sweep to the bottom of the door and you are good to go. Make sure the sweep slightly touches the floor or door space for maximum efficiency. These door sweeps not only help keep out cold air but are also a good choice for any home to keep out any small pests like ants or other bugs.”
Get a Smart Thermostat
How old is your home and how outdated is your thermostat? If the answer leans towards “too old” or you have no clue, it might be time to upgrade to a smart thermostat.
“Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is another game changer,” Margulis explained. “These devices pay for themselves quickly by allowing you to control the temperature exactly to your schedule.”
To illustrate this point, Margulis described how lowering the temp by a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping “will save you noticeable amounts. Many smart thermostats also give you energy usage insights so you can make informed decisions about your heating habits.”
Apply Caulking Around Door Frames
Gaps and cracks around door frames are areas that will always let cold air in from the outside, which is why Robinson recommended applying caulk to seal any cracks in door frames. “[It’s] a great way to prevent air from getting into your home,” he said.
“Before applying any caulk to your doorways, always clean them thoroughly so the caulk attaches properly,” Robinson added. “Seal the cracks and you most likely will be good to go. You will have to cut away any overflow. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to do so. This style of air protection is best for older style doors that may have shifted over years or decades or use.”
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