Fall is upon us and in the months generally known for colder weather, keeping your home warm is a top priority. Even though Missouri winters are typically mild, they can be unpredictable, and knowing your home is not losing energy is a relief when those cold spells set in. Midwest Renovations wants you to know that saving energy in your home is not difficult. There are many easy, free and low cost ways to save energy AND money on your heating and cooling bills, and we want to share a few steps you can take to help conserve energy.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and can cost you more money than any other area or system in your home. By installing a programmable thermostat you help to automatically adjust your home's temperature, which helps it stay warm or cool when you need it most. 

Seal Air Leaks

You've likely felt a draft near a window or door in your home at one time or another. A home is rarely air tight, and checking for air leaks is a great way to determine where warm or cool air could be escaping and adding money to your energy bill. Take time to check your windows, doors, electrical boxes, ceiling fixtures and attics. To reduce or eliminate leaks you can caulk around windows and doors. 

Improving Insulation

Heating and cooling can make up the majority of your energy bill and knowing if your home is properly insulated can help keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer and save a little money, too. Checking the insulation in your home's attic, walls, floors, and ceilings will tell you how much air is flowing between the inside and outside of your home and help you determine the best way of controlling the temperature inside. 

Install Efficient Windows

An exceptional option for saving energy in your home is to replace current windows with more efficient ones. Although this can be expensive, the return on the investment can be worth it, especially if you plan to live in your home for several more years. If this kind of investment is not feasible consider covering your windows with transparent material to help improve insulation. This will help immensely during the coldest months.

Upgrade your light bulbs

A great cost-effective technique for saving energy is replacing traditional light bulbs in your home. There are several options available that will help you save energy. Consider halogen incandescent bulbs they can last up to three times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Energy Audit

You also have the option of performing a home energy audit. An energy audit, assesses how much energy your home consumes and helps you evaluate the best measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. 

Making your home more energy efficient is easy when you consider these tips. Conserving energy goes hand in hand with saving money, and as electric bills climb higher and higher with cooler weather, saving money is always helpful. Midwest Renovations wants your home to be comfortable and safe. We offer a variety of construction services in mid-Missouri and would be happy to give any of your construction needs a free estimate.