January 22, 2020
As the experts in Energy Save energy audits throughout Woburn, Waltham, Lowell, and the rest of eastern Massachusetts, we know what it takes to make a customized energy efficiency plan for the many challenges that homeowners face throughout New England’s winter.
However, there are a few things that we know will help just about any home take strides in energy efficiency, and help homeowners save energy and money throughout the cold months. Here are our top 5 tips for reducing energy consumption this winter.
1. Install LED Light Bulbs
Did you know that an LED light bulb uses 75% less energy than other incandescent bulb types? Plus, they last 25 times longer. So not only is replacing the light bulbs in your house a more energy efficient way to light your home, it will also save you the trouble of putting “light bulbs” on your shopping list a few times a year when one of your incandescent bulbs goes out.
The kicker? When you schedule a Energy Save home energy assessment with Mass Energy Experts, our team will replace your traditional incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs as needed for free. It is all a part of the Mass energy audit and contractor process through Energy Save.
2. Air Sealing & Insulation
A large portion of our no cost home energy assessment is dedicated to understanding how well insulated your home is and how many air leaks are present. If you feel that one room is colder than others or your house doesn't stay warm with the heat on, here is where we'll uncover these issues. These two aspects of your home (insulation and air sealing) are particularly important and should be considered as one of the most impactful home performance upgrades you could get for your home.
According to the energy efficiency experts at ENERGY STAR, homeowners can save up to 11% on their total heating and cooling costs by properly insulating key areas of the home. These areas include:
Attic
Basement/crawlspace
Floors
Walls
Through Energy Save, air sealing is a complimentary service offered after your no cost home energy assessment is complete, and insulation upgrades qualify for rebates of up to 75%!
3. Change Your Filters
During your assessment, your Mass Energy Experts energy auditor will perform a thorough examination of your heating and cooling systems. This is to make sure all combustion appliances are operating safely and to determine if you need to replace any air filters.
A dirty or clogged air filter will force your furnace to work much harder than it needs to, which can not only raise your energy bills, but cause unnecessary wear and tear on your system. This could leave you and your family susceptible to a heating emergency in the dead of winter!
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
If every home in the US installed a smart thermostat, it could save an estimated $740 million per year. How? By automatically adjusting your thermostat settings for when you need your heat the most, and optimizing temperatures for maximum efficiency, a smart thermostat is an easy way to save on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. Plus, many smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere, by integrating with an app in your smartphone!
Energy Save offers discounted wireless thermostats, installed at zero cost to you. Or, you can talk to Mass Energy Experts about saving $100 on the smart thermostat of your choice!
5. Go Solar!
Have you ever wondered how much solar panels save on electricity bills, or the average savings of solar panels per year? If you are looking to avoid unpredictable electricity rates, and reduce the carbon footprint of your home by using renewable energy, you should really consider installing solar panels on your home.
How much you save from solar will vary, depending on the energy needs of your home, the direction and pitch of your roof or property, and the size of the system you decide to install. But Mass Energy Experts can pair you with a trusted Massachusetts based solar installation contractor, like Boston Solar, and make sure you qualify for state and local solar incentives in relation to any solar electric system or solar plus battery storage system. In 2020, the federal solar tax credit is worth 26%!
Make the Right Decision for Your Home
If you are looking to save energy this winter, but aren’t sure how, Mass Energy Experts has you covered. From answering questions like “How long is an energy audit?” or “How often can you do a Energy Save energy audit?”, to pairing you with a customized plan for lower utilities and energy efficiency, our only goal is to make sure you get the answers you need. We take the time to do it right the first time! So don’t wait — schedule your Massachusetts home energy audit today.