Energy Saving Tips for Fall

As the thermometers start their downward slide over the next several months, it’s time to start thinking about energy savings.

Now, it doesn’t get as cold in the Charlotte NC area as it does in other parts of the country – thank goodness! – but that doesn’t mean you can skip getting ready for the fall and winter seasons.

Here are a few simple tips to keep your energy bills as low as possible during this cooler time of year, courtesy of the best Charlotte agent and best Concord agent, Leigh Brown:

1. Turn those lights off! As the days get shorter, lights tend to stay on longer. Extra vigilance on your part to ensure unused lights are being shut off is a great way to help keep electricity bills down. Earlier on in the day, take advantage of natural light by opening your curtains rather than flipping the light on.

2. Insulate your home. Many older homes do not have any insulation at all, which can cause heating bills to skyrocket during the fall and winter (and air conditioning bills to skyrocket during the summer!). Consider retro-insulating with blown-in insulation – it’s surprisingly affordable. At the very least, insulate your attic space, since that is where most of your heat escapes.

3. Insulate your pipes and water heater. Your water pipes and water heater lose heat to the surrounding air. A little inexpensive insulation – available at any big box home renovation store – can save you big money. You simply wrap the insulation around the pipes and heater… very simple to install, very affordable to buy, and a great way to save money on your water heating bills.

4. Ensure windows are well sealed. Caulking and other sealants around your windows can fail over time. Make sure the perimeters of all of your windows are well sealed to avoid unnecessary heat loss in those areas.

5. Upgrade your windows and doors. Although this is a pricey project, swapping out your old windows for energy efficient ones is one of the best ways to prevent heat escaping from your home. There are often government rebates for these projects, so it might be more affordable than you imagine, plus there’s the savings you’ll see on your energy bills. If this project is simply out of your price range, consider applying insulating film over your windows. It’s transparent, so you won’t notice it, but can help reduce your energy costs.

Are you shopping for Charlotte NC real estate this fall or winter? Give us a call. We can provide you with lots of real estate tips including how to get your home ready for the changing Charlotte seasons!