Sealed windows, doors help keep energy costs low in winter

As the cold weather moves into mid-Missouri, Columbia Water and Light spokeswoman Connie Kacprowicz said now is the time for residents to make sure they’re homes are being energy efficient.

There are a lot of variables and differences in how to save money based on if someone lives in an apartment or home. But she said the weather is the biggest impact on utilities bills, regardless if people live in a house or apartment, because running the air conditioner and/or heat make up most of a residential utility bill.

“The temperature difference outside and what you want it to be inside is going to make the biggest difference,” Kacprowicz said. “In the winter, it is going to be 30 degrees outside and you want it to be 70 degrees inside. That’s a 40 degree difference. So anything you can do, whether it’s clothing or something to keep you warm without bumping up that thermostat, that’s going to end up saving you money.”

Kacprowicz said the variables in heating and cooling a house vs. apartment mainly comes from the fact a home has four exposed sides and apartment may only have one. In a one-bedroom apartment, residents may be able to keep the thermostat low and use a space heater or electric blanket to stay warm.

Terry Freeman oversees the city’s energy audit program. He said for apartments and smaller sized homes, a space heater can be an effective way to keep costs low.

“Where the savings can come into effect with a space heater is if you lower the temperature of your entire house and then use this to only heat the space that you’re in up to a comfortable level,” Freeman said. “So by heating less square footage, you’re going to save a lot of money as compared to heating more square footage in the entire house.”

In a house, staying warm and energy efficient goes beyond where to set the thermostat. Adding insulation and air sealing are going to help keep the warm air in and cold air out. By not filling those air leaks, it can be the equivalent of leaving a window open.

Kacprowicz recommended all homeowners and renters to use the “Home performance with Energy Star” program. The city offers up to $1,600 in rebates after recommended improvements are made.

For homes and apartments, Freeman said for every one degree a resident lowers their thermostat, they can save 3 to 5 percent of their energy costs.

For example, if a resident uses $100 of electricity a month, they can save $3 to $5 a month by keeping their thermostat one degree lower.

One tip Kacprowicz recommended is to leave curtains open on sunny days to help warm a home or apartment and closing them at night helping to create an extra layer of insulation.

Freeman said lowering your utility bill in the winter can be done with simple fixes and behavioral changes. But he said it depends on how comfortable you want to be.

“It can be as easy as throwing on some slippers and a sweater to save money. It just really depends on what your comfort level is and I think what happens with a lot of people is your home is your castle and you want to be comfortable in your castle.”

Columbia Water and Light has other tips on how to be more energy efficient and information about free programs they offer to be more energy efficient.