Reduce Energy and Water Consumption This Fall and Winter

If summer is the time for traveling and spending time outside, fall and winter are the perfect seasons for hibernating indoors. But keeping your home warm and cozy during the colder months comes at a cost—namely elevated energy demands, increased water usage, and greater utility expenses. Luckily, we have some helpful home maintenance hacks that will keep your comfort levels high, and your bills low year round. Read on to learn how to make your home more energy and water-efficient this fall and winter!

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How to Reduce Energy Consumption

As summer winds down and we move into the chillier months, we tend to stay home more often, which means higher energy usage levels. Fall and winter bring frigid weather and diminished daylight, so our heating and electricity needs increase to combat the cold and dark weather. Here are a few ways to lower your energy consumption to help you save money and reduce waste:

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1. Seal Up Air Leaks

One of the best ways to reduce energy consumption is to identify and seal air leaks. Drafty doors and windows, whether open or closed, are major sources of heat loss in your home. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that approximately one-third of the energy expended to heat a home is lost through windows. But these aren’t the only places where air leaks can occur; air can also escape through gaps around the chimney, cracks in old weatherstripping, and breaches in unfinished areas like the attic and the basement. By sealing these leaks, you can prevent your heating system from working overtime, saving money and energy. 

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Fireplaces are also a great way to heat your home while avoiding energy waste, but if you don’t plan on using your fireplace this winter, consider sealing your chimney flue. The fireplace dampers act as a barrier to the cold weather alone, but sealing the chimney helps enhance this barrier to minimize heat loss. 

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2. Use Less Hot Water

It sounds simple, but using less hot water can make a huge difference in your energy consumption levels. According to the DOE, water heating accounts for up to 18 percent of your utility bills, making it the second biggest household expense. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to instantly slash your hot water consumption. For starters, wash clothes with cold water instead of warm water, take shorter showers, and use energy-efficient settings on your dishwasher. Showering is a daily activity while washing your clothes and dishes is something most households do at least once a week, so the energy savings will add up over time. Not only does this help reduce your energy expenditure but it also limits the amount of water wasted in your home. 

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3. Maintain Your Heating System

Water heating and space heating were in the top four categories for home energy consumption in 2022 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). While space and water heaters are essentials during the coldest months of the year, they can be a drain on energy and money. Getting routine maintenance done on your heating system ensures that everything is running at full efficiency and no more energy is being expended than necessary. Schedule a chimney cleaning; arrange a tune-up appointment for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; and make sure all your air vents are unobstructed to keep heat flowing through your home. 

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How to Reduce Water Consumption 

Energy isn’t the only precious resource we use more of during the fall and winter; we also waste a lot of water during this time of year. When it’s chilly outside, we find ourselves taking more hot baths and showers to keep out the cold, resulting in excessive water consumption, not to mention a higher water bill. Here are a few ways you can cut down on your water usage this season:

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1. Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

During the fall and winter, water pipes are responsible for significant energy and heat loss. When heated water in your water tank enters uninsulated pipes, it instantly loses heat due to the low temperature of the pipes’ surface. Because of this, people spend a lot of time waiting for the water to heat up before showering or washing their hands, resulting in a ton of water waste. Insulating your water pipes markedly reduces this waste by helping hot water retain heat while it travels to your shower, sink, dishwasher, etc. Plus, insulating your pipes helps prevent them from freezing and bursting, saving you a massive headache and repair bills.

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2. Water Your Lawn and Plants Less

During the summertime when the sun is blazing and the temperatures are sky-high, your plants need a lot of water to keep them green and vibrant. However, once the weather begins cooling, less water is necessary to maintain your plants’ health. In addition to lower temperatures, fall is known as a rainy season, so you may not need to water your plants nearly as often as you would during the summer. Of course, your plant’s water needs will depend on the climate you live in, but generally, less water is needed to keep them alive in the fall and winter.

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PRO TIP: Don’t forget to turn your sprinkler system off during the fall and winter. Keeping the sprinkler running year-round is wasteful, and increases the risk of over-watering your lawn.

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3. Check For Leaks and Damage

If left unaddressed, a dripping pipe can waste roughly 3,000 gallons of water each year. That’s bound to put a dent in your wallet, especially if the leak goes unnoticed for several years. Therefore, you should regularly inspect the inside and outside of your home for damage. If you’re not sure what to look for, plumbers can help you determine if you have old pipes that need replacing, locate leaks, and identify how to make your home water system more efficient.

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During the fall and winter, your household water and energy consumption can increase drastically for various reasons. Try out these tips to keep your home sustainable year-round! At Bridge Homes, we value sustainability and aim to provide our residents with the knowledge to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle at home. Visit our blog for more information on sustainability, home and garden care, and tips to help plan your next move! 

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A Better Living Experience

Bridge Homes is dedicated to helping people find rental homes in major cities across the U.S. Whether you are seeking a new beginning or a fresh start, Bridge Homes can be your partner in finding your new rental home. Explore our listings and take the first step towards a well-maintained and fulfilling living experience.

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Sources:

5 Fall Water Conservation Tips for Multifamily and Commercial Properties

7 Ways to Make Your Hot Water Heater More Energy Efficient

Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips

Water Conservation Tips: 8 Ways to Save Water in Winter

Why is my electric bill so high this winter?

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