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8 Easy Ways to Save Energy This Fall
09/20/2024
With the onset of cooler temps this fall, many of us will be scouring the internet for easy tips on how to save energy at home--that’s probably why you’re here, now, in fact, reading this blog. The internet is, after all, full of lots of great tips. But they’re mostly the same tips, so we’d thought we’d share a few of the lesser-known ways you can cut costs this season—and just in time for the first official day of fall on Sept. 22!
Here are our eight clever tips to save energy this fall:
- Seal outlets, switches and wall plates. Although they may seem inconsequential, outlets, switches and wall plates that leak cold air could have an impact on your heating expenses this season. An easy fix is to purchase foam gaskets made just for such applications. After you’ve picked up a few from your local home improvement store or online, simply unscrew your outlet and switch plates from the wall and apply these self-sticking energy savers. Then reconnect your outlet and switch plates to the wall.
- Install door sweeps. It’s all too common for spaces beneath exterior doors to let cold air in. If that’s the case in your home, consider installing a door sweep to help keep the cold at bay. They’re relatively easy to install and can be picked up at your local home improvement store or online—be sure to get one that’s the same width as your door.
- Seal up chimneys and flues. If you have a fireplace you’re not using, you’ll want to seal it up to keep your warm air from escaping—even if it’s been closed with a damper. You can temporarily seal your chimney or flue off with an inflatable chimney balloon or a chimney flue plug (foam insert or inflatable). If your chimney has a damper to help seal in the warmth, be sure it’s sealing correctly. If not, you can use weather stripping or foam insulation to close any gaps. If you’re certain you’ll never use your fireplace again, you can have your chimney/flue sealed up permanently at the top with a chimney cap or masonry seal. Then seal the fireplace itself off by covering it with drywall or bricks and mortar.
- Use objects that collect heat. Heavy objects like large ceramic vases and bricks can absorb sunlight and heat if placed near windows. At night, they’ll slowly release the warmth they’ve absorbed during the day, keeping your home a little bit warmer.
- Cover those bare floors. If you’ve got hardwood or tile floors, try using rugs to add an extra layer of insulation. They’ll help retain heat and prevent it from escaping into the floor.
- Adjust refrigerator settings. When temperatures drop, your fridge doesn’t need to work as hard to safely keep food cool. For the most in energy savings, adjust your refrigerator’s temperature between 37°F and 40°F, and set your freezer to 0°F.
- Pre-heat your bed. Using an electric blanket to warm your bed before you go to sleep—versus heating the whole house to your desired temperature—is a great way to reduce heating expenses. Once you’re in bed, turn the blanket off to save even more while you’re sound asleep.
- Use a Humidifier: You can trick your body by increasing the humidity in your home when it’s cold out—humid air feels warmer than dry air. Using a humidifier in areas of your home you spend lots of time in can make them feel cozier, allowing you to drop your thermostat by a few degrees and save on energy.
Looking for more energy-saving tips?
Check out some of our other helpful blogs on the subject:
- Getting Your Garage in Gear for Fall and Beyond
- Six Ways to Save on Your Natural Gas and Energy Bill This Winter
- Ways to Lower Your Natural Gas Bill
Save on home heating and cooling with Gas South and Coolray.
If you’re already a Gas South customer, you get exclusive discounts with our partner Coolray, an industry leader in home heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical maintenance and repair. See more on how you can save with Gas South and Coolray.
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