Turn Up the Heat - Summer Tips for Winter Weather

Week of May 8, 2011

Fix those Cold Weather flaws when it's warm!

With Spring about to turn to Summer, why blog about cold weather?  During the warm weather, fixes for cold weather issues are more easily accomplished.  In addition, many cold weather fixes will also help during the summer, such as an air conditioner and heating unit tune up and improved insulation.  In addition, it seems like energy bills are only going up, so every little bit helps where you can cut your use.

Part of the catalyst for this article is that during the first big storm in early February, Texas utilities were unable to keep up with demand and asked its users to try and conserve energy while also implementing rolling blackouts to keep a catastrophic failure from occurring.  The inadequate production would be subject to another discussion though; I’m just here for conservation.

The easiest way to reduce energy is to keep that warm air in your building, be it home or workplace.  Check windows and doors for leaks where the hot air can escape and cold air can enter.  Replacing the seals on doors and windows will help keep all that warm air from leaving.  Also, check insulation and replace if it is thin.  There are guides online by region as to what kind and how much insulation should be used.

Opening the south facing blinds when the sun is out can capture solar energy in the building.  Closing the blinds at night will also help keep that solar energy inside where it is needed.  The north facing blinds should stay closed and thicker blinds also absorb more heat and release it slower at night.

Lowering the temperature in your building can add up to quick savings.  Every degree the thermostat is lowered during the day will save 3-5% and lowering the thermostat even more when the building is unoccupied will cut costs even more.  Using blankets instead of a heater is another way to cut energy use.

Lastly, keep the winter weather appliances well maintained.  Clean the filters on the heater or furnace regularly so the unit won’t have to work as hard when it’s needed most.  While more of an off season fix, have the unit regularly tuned up by a professional so that it is running at its best throughout winter.

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.

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