Fall is a great time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead while also being mindful of your budget. Sometimes all it takes is a little maintenance or slight changes to how you do things to save money. Over many months, it can add up to significant savings! Here are some budget friendly home energy savings ideas for fall.
15 Budget Friendly Home Energy Savings Ideas for Fall
By implementing these budget-friendly home energy savings tips in the fall, you can keep your home warm and comfortable while reducing your energy bills, making it a win-win for both your comfort and your wallet.
Seal Drafts
Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal any gaps. This will prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering your home.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
Lower your thermostat a few degrees during the day when you’re active and can wear warmer clothing, and reduce it further at night or when you’re away. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to automate temperature adjustments.
Use Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans, use them in reverse mode (clockwise) to push warm air down from the ceiling. This can make your space feel warmer without increasing the thermostat setting.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home, especially the attic and walls, can significantly reduce heat loss. While professional insulation can be costly, you can often find DIY options that are more budget-friendly.
Use A Clothes Line for Large Items
Your dryer uses more energy than any other plugin device/appliance you have! One large load of laundry will cost over 65¢ per load if your dryer runs for an hour. That sounds small until you think of how many loads you do each week. While I’m not recommending hanging up your undies… using a clothes line to dry towels, sheets, jeans and other bulky items will be a huge cost saver over the course of a month!
Install Curtains or Drapes
Thick curtains or drapes can act as additional insulation. Keep them closed at night to retain heat and open them during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your rooms.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Make sure your heating system is in good working order by scheduling regular maintenance. Replacing air filters and cleaning vents can improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
If you have a small area you spend most of your time in, consider using a space heater instead of heating the entire house. Be sure to follow safety guidelines and turn it off when you leave the room.
Seal Unused Rooms
Close doors and vents in rooms you’re not using to concentrate heat where it’s needed most.
Utilize Natural Heat
During sunny days, open blinds and curtains to let in sunlight. Sunlight can naturally warm your home, reducing the need for heating.
Cook Efficiently
Use your oven and stove top for cooking during colder months. The residual heat can help warm your kitchen and nearby areas.
Invest in LED Bulbs
Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity and generate less heat.
Lower the Water Heater Temperature
Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F (49°C). This is sufficient for most household needs and can save energy.
Check for Leaks
Inspect your plumbing for leaks and fix them promptly. Hot water leaks can result in wasted energy.
Consider Insulating Your Water Heater
If your water heater is located in an unheated area, consider adding insulation to reduce heat loss.
Unplug Electronics
Many electronic devices continue to consume energy even when turned off. Use power strips to easily disconnect multiple devices when not in use.
Any other home energy savings ideas for fall that I missed? Let us know in the comments!