Amhurst cast stone fireplace mantel in traditional interior

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

On January 10, people celebrate conservation and savings during National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. At Old World Stoneworks, we think curling up by a fire is the nicest way to cut your heating costs. Here are a few ideas for saving energy every day of the year.

Update Your Appliances for National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

Appliances have progressed immensely in the last couple of decades, and are now more energy efficient than ever before. If your big appliances – washer, dryer, refrigerator – are more than 10 years old, consider replacing an energy hog with an ENERGY STAR certified appliance. You might find the new refrigerator quickly paying for itself by offsetting the cost on your bills.

Watch that Thermostat

Modern thermostats also help people keep energy costs top of mind.. Smart thermostats such as the Nest allow you to control the temperature of your home with your phone. For example, if you get to work and realize you left your furnace blazing at 70 degrees, no problem. Programmable thermostats let you plan ahead so that the temperature will automatically adjust for times you typically leave the house, come home, wake and sleep. Then there’s always the low-tech solution of a Post-it on the door reminding you to adjust the temperature when you leave the house.

Be aware of overheating or overcooling. In winter, drop the thermostat a few degrees and wear a sweater or robe. In summer, set the AC for comfortable but not cold. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and lowering it while sleeping or away. In summer, set the AC for 78°F and use it only when you’re home.

Reconsider Lighting

amhurst appliances national cut your energy costs day

We all know we should shut off the light when leaving a room, but this January we could try harder to carry out that goal. Switching to LED lights also conserves energy and money.

Insulate

How much climate control energy and money escapes through a poorly insulated house? A lot. Hire somebody to insulate your attic and walls, or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, rent the proper equipment. Look for high-tech insulation materials inspired by NASA.

Fireplace Ideas

Fireplaces can help you cut energy costs, if you use them efficiently. Saving the best for last, here are a few fireplace-specific energy tips.

  • Since a fireplace can pull heat and oxygen from other areas of your home, close doors to other rooms. A fireplace is best at heating a small proximal area, not your whole house.
  • If you have a ceiling fan in the same room as your fireplace, use the backward setting to pull the heat down towards you, rather than letting it uselessly waft to the ceiling. Employing this backward setting will make the room much warmer.
  • When you don’t have a fire burning, keep the damper closed to avoid drafts.
  • Make sure the seals around the fireplace flue damper are tight, to avoid heat loss through the chimney. A chimney liner will insulate your chimney and improve efficiency. An annual appointment with a chimney sweep also ensures safety and a well-functioning fireplace.

Call us to chat more about the benefits of a fireplace and how it can help you celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. We spend our time warming and beautifying the homes of people like you, and we’re to tackle your project.