October is National Energy Awareness Month – a perfect time of the year to develop new habits that can lead to long-term energy savings at home.
Did you know?
- Americans waste $200 to $400 in home energy expenses per year due to air leaks and outdated HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems.
- Some of the most common energy-efficient home upgrades include sealing air leaks, installing new windows, upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats, and adding insulation.
- A properly insulated attic can reduce your energy bill by 10% to 50%, according to the Department of Energy.
Bottom line? There’s a lot you can do to help decrease your monthly utility bill and overall energy consumption, particularly during early autumn.
See how many of these smart energy savings tips you can tackle this month.
- Conduct an energy assessment. See where you can save more energy each month with a FREE Quick Home Energy Checkup, exclusively for SJG customers.
- Adjust your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to save energy. Throw an extra blanket on your bed at night and lower the heat even further if that is an option for you.
- Test your home’s airtightness. To find out how much heat is escaping from a specific section of your home, consider doing a blower door test with your home energy professional. This test can indicate how much air is leaking out of the windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, attic and additional areas throughout your home.
- Insulate. Adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists, can help you save an average of 15% on healing and cooling costs according to the EPA.
- Conduct a spot inspection. There are many areas around your home that may indicate air leaks - from a dirty spot on the ceiling or wall to a blocked exhaust fan or dryer vent. Caulking or cleaning these locations can not only save energy – it could also help to prevent a fire.
Sources: Energy.gov, EPA