Energy Efficient Tips for Winter: Save on Your Power Bill 

Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Shoreline Home 

When it comes to staying warm during the colder months, energy efficient tips for winter can make all the difference in keeping your home cozy without driving up electricity bills. Heating is often one of the biggest expenses in winter, but if you’re living in a Shoreline home, you’re already ahead of the game. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, Shoreline homes feature advanced systems to help reduce energy consumption. However, there are additional strategies you can use to further optimize your home’s energy efficiency this winter. We’ve explored energy efficiency tips for summer, but winter is a whole different ballgame. Here are a few tips to keep your home warm this winter while cutting costs. 

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings 

Small adjustments to your thermostat can lead to significant savings over time. For instance, lowering the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees while you’re asleep or out of the house can make a noticeable difference. Aim to keep your thermostat at 68°F while you’re at home to maintain comfort without excessive energy use. Installing a smart thermostat takes the guesswork out of these adjustments by learning your schedule and automatically optimizing your settings. You can even control some remotely, ensuring your home is always heated efficiently. Although minor, this small tweak in temperature can add up to big savings over the course of the season, reducing heating costs by up to 10% annually! And, of course, all Shoreline homes feature a programmable thermostat. 

Seal Gaps and Improve Insulation 

Although Shoreline homes are designed with excellent insulation, it’s still a good idea to check for any small gaps that might let cold air in. Inspect windows and doors for drafts, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any openings. Don’t overlook areas like the attic and other less-visible spots you might not check regularly. Ensuring proper insulation in these spaces will help keep warm air inside, reduce the workload on your heating system, and ultimately lower your energy usage.  Shoreline homes use foam insulation on all rim joist and truss ends and feature Day & Night® 95% efficiency natural gas furnace with sealed duct work running through conditioned spaces, (as opposed to the attic) so no heat is lost. And it’s not just the living spaces where you should focus, Shoreline homes also have Clopey® double-sided, steel-insulated garage doors as well. 

Harness the Power of the Sun 

The sun is a natural source of heat that can help keep your home warm during the day. On sunny days, open your curtains and let that light pour in to naturally warm your living spaces. As evening sets in, close your curtains to trap the heat inside and reduce the need for additional heating. This simple practice is an easy and effective way to supplement your home’s energy efficiency. 

Maintain Your Heating System 

A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and can help you avoid higher bills. Replace air filters every one to three months to ensure proper airflow, and schedule an annual maintenance check for your furnace or heat pump. Regular servicing helps identify any issues before they become costly repairs, ensuring your system operates smoothly and lasts longer. It’s a small investment that pays off in both comfort and savings. 

Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting 

As the days grow shorter and we rely more on artificial lighting, switching to energy-efficient bulbs can make a big difference. LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also produce less heat, which can help maintain a more consistent temperature in your home.  

By upgrading your lighting, you’re not only lowering your energy usage but also contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment. This is why Shoreline has energy efficient LED sealed lighting throughout the home. 

Enjoy a Cozy, Cost-Efficient Winter 

By implementing these energy-saving strategies, you can stay warm and keep your electricity costs in check this winter. With a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 56 – 60, Shoreline homes already significantly outperform the national average of 100 for new homes, but a few extra tricks never hurt. These additional tips will help you maximize your home’s efficiency even further, allowing you to enjoy a cozy, comfortable winter while saving money. Embrace these habits, and reap the benefits of a more energy-efficient home this season. 

For a virtual tour of our energy-efficient homes, visit shorelineparkcity.com.