Courtesy photo
Dear Eartha,
I spent so much money last winter to heat my home, and I still felt cold. Is there anything I can do so my house stays warm and my bills stay low?
— Don, Summit Cove
When the first dusting of snow appears on the peaks of the Tenmile Range, it not only announces a change in seasons, but also a change in my inbox. Suddenly, locals are eager to find out how to best prepare their homes for winter. Luckily, yours truly knows a thing or two about energy efficiency, and I’m happy to share my knowledge with you.
An efficient and cozy mountain home
It’s a universal truth that we want to feel comfortable in our homes. And for those who don’t — whether it’s too cold or drafty — it can be hard to know where to start. You might not realize that you can actually do something to fix the situation. And more often than not, the friends and neighbors I chat with think improving their home’s efficiency means expensive upgrades to mechanical systems or windows. Fear not, energy conservation and comfort are pursuits that should never begin with these pricy fixes. Instead, the energy pros that I know like to focus on the simple and affordable projects we call the low-hanging fruit.
What are some common low-hanging fruit projects? Finding and sealing air leaks — places where the warm indoor air escapes outside — is a common one. All those tiny gaps and cracks add up. I’ve heard of homes so leaky that the leaks alone accounted for 40% of the homeowner’s energy bill. More easy fixes include properly using a programmable thermostat and installing LED bulbs. After you’ve tackled these projects, then you’ll want to consider insulation improvements and, potentially, new appliances or mechanical systems. Finally, after you’ve done everything else to make your home efficient, then you can consider windows, doors and renewable energy. If you think of home energy efficiency like a pyramid, these projects are at the very top because you need a solid foundation for them to rest uon. After all, what’s the point of putting solar panels on an inefficient house?
Evaluating your home’s efficiency
But how will you know what your home needs? With a home energy assessment, of course. When you sign up for an assessment, a certified building scientist will inspect your home for energy performance and potential safety concerns. Afterward, you’ll get a report that outlines all the steps you can take to maximize efficiency.
If you think your home could benefit from an assessment, check out the Energy Smart Colorado program offered by the High Country Conservation Center. To encourage you and other Summit County locals to be more efficient, the Conservation Center subsidizes the cost of these assessments. Most people pay just $99 after rebates, and you’ll also get freebies like LED bulbs. Getting the assessment qualifies you for even more rebates from the Conservation Center and Xcel Energy once you start making improvements. Some residents are eligible to receive free energy assessment and improvement work, so it’s worth calling to learn more. Don’t forget, energy efficiency at home doesn’t just impact your wallet. There are a number of added benefits, like creating a healthier indoor environment and making your home more durable.
Do it yourself
For the DIYers out there, here are a few simple projects to get you started:
- Program your thermostat to drop a few degrees while you’re sleeping and while you’re away at work. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one so you have more control over your heating system. If you have baseboard electric heat, call the Conservation Center for advice before purchasing.
- Lower the temperature on your water heater. If your shower is scalding or you have to add cold water to reach an ideal temperature, your water heater is set too high. Dial it back a few degrees, and you’ll save energy and your skin.
- Install heavy curtains or insulating blinds over windows.
- Inspect your doors for bad weather stripping. If the door is closed and you see daylight coming through, it’s time to replace the weather stripping.
There’s still time to sign up for a home energy assessment so you can stay warm and cozy at home without wearing a hat and puffy indoors.Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.
Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.