I live in an area that experiences four separate seasons throughout the year.
The summers are hot and humid while the winters are extremely cold and snowy. Fall and spring are typically chilly, windy and wet. While I enjoy the spring flowers, summer sunshine, autumn colors and winter activities, the weather presents some challenges. We switch from running the heating system to starting up the air conditioner with little break in-between. The cost of temperature control adds up to around half of the household energy expenses. I’ve invested into an Energy Star rated furnace and air conditioner to help minimize utility bills. I am conscientious about replacing air filters and scheduling professional maintenance for the heating and cooling systems to maximize efficiency and reliability. I’ve also taken proactive measures to reduce running costs. New windows were a significant investment but upgrading to thermal pane, low E rated glass has helped to minimize energy losses. Windows are typically the biggest waste of energy in most homes. I’ve also added thermal-lined curtains that I close on cold nights in the winter. Insulating the attic prevents the heated air from the furnace from migrating up and out. Creating a tightly sealed attic space works to minimize hot air moving into the living space during the summer. I take the time to check the condition of caulk around windows and weatherstripping on the exterior doors every year. Just recently, I purchased a smart thermostat. The thermostat caters to my family’s schedule, working to reduce energy consumption when we’re sleeping or out of the house.