Homes built prior to 1980 in Michigan are most statistics under insulated and your heat is rising through the ceiling then the roof and into the night sky because of a lack of insulation in the attic. If you live in the counties of Oakland, Macomb or Wayne and have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic area you are probably in need more.
Put on a sweater or grab a blanket before you head towards the dial. Each degree you lower the temperature you end up saving 3% on your Michigan energy bill.
Its not the heat that hurts the comfort level, its the humidity and if your furnace doesn’t have a built in humidifier. Then we recommend that you use a portable humidifier in frequently used areas such as the bedroom and living room, game rooms and TV rooms. The additional moisture will help control your comfort level throughout your entire house.
Michigan Winter Energy Savings Help
Heating the home when no one is there makes no sense. Having a programmable thermostat can with set times control the heat when your on your way home and then tapering down after you leave. A great tip is by turning down your thermostat from 72º to 65º for 8 hours a day allows you to save as much as 10% on your 2011 Michigan heating and cooling costs. If done soon the cost of a typical programmable thermostat which is around 30$ will be saved within one year of Michigan weather.
Make sure you try to open up window shades on the south and west side of your home during the day to get maximum benefit of the solar rays from the sun and then close them at night. Most Michigan and specifically homeowners living in the Oakland, Macomb Or Wayne counties areas, have single strength glass windows. We recommend replacing them with a double strength glass window and there are many options of glazing options to help reflect the heat back into the room during the cold Michigan winter months. (Go Red Wings)
If you are like many of Michigan’s homeowners and don’t have the money to buy new windows then we recommend that you cover them with your storm windows if you have them. If not then go to your local hardware or big box outlet and get the easy to install winter window kits. Savings of up to 20% on your Michigan home heating bill will come in handy this holiday.
Living in Michigan you can save as much as 10% by cleaning your air registers, heater area, and radiators as needed with changing the furnace filters monthly. You can also use a multiple filter system of swapping out two replaceable and washable filters (about $20 each). They can last up to five years with proper care.
The most effective way to save energy here in Michigan is to only heat your living areas and not your attic or unused basement. In a recent consumer study most homes in the Midwest region have open not used heating and cooling vents. Check your ducts for leaks of air and if possible use duct tape to fix separations and use insulated duct if your replacing .
You need to seal and plug the drafts first and foremost and your first lines of defense is caulk and foam. Make to sure to seal all cracks and fill any holes.
In today’s homes with more square footage and more energy efficent heaters, we recomend closing unused living spaces vents to save on Michigan energy costs.
