As colder weather sets in, many Massachusetts homeowners face the same seasonal struggles: drafty rooms, high heating bills, and a heating system that seems to be working overtime. But the good news? A little fall preparation can go a long way toward a more comfortable and cost-effective winter.
This fall home energy checklist makes it easy to prepare your home for winter with smart, proactive steps that have a real impact and save you money on your bills. Some are simple DIY tasks. Others point to deeper issues that can be resolved with a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment from Absolute Energy Solutions.
1. Check Your Furnace Filter
Start with a quick win. A dirty furnace filter restricts airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and burn more energy. Check your filter monthly, especially during peak heating season, and replace it as needed to keep your system running efficiently.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. Flip the switch on your fan to spin clockwise in the winter. This pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into your living space, helping rooms feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
3. Find and Seal Obvious Air Leaks
Drafts are often easy to feel, but not always easy to fix. Start by checking around windows, doors, and electrical outlets for noticeable air leaks. Sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping can offer quick relief. But if you’re still feeling cold air, there may be larger, hidden gaps in your home’s envelope that require professional assessment.
4. Inspect Your Attic Insulation
Since heat rises, your attic plays a major role in how much warmth stays inside your home. Take a peek—if you can see the tops of your ceiling joists, your insulation likely needs an upgrade. Proper attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss and cut heating costs.
5. Insulate Your Hot Water Heater and Pipes
Insulating your water heater tank and exposed hot water pipes can reduce standby heat loss and improve energy efficiency. It also helps deliver hot water faster, saving both time and energy, especially in colder months.
6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Shorter days mean more lights on, more often. Swap out any remaining incandescent bulbs for LEDs. And during a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment, you may receive LED bulbs at no cost—an easy way to reduce energy use without lifting a finger.
7. Schedule a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment
This is the most impactful step you can take. A professional energy assessment from Absolute Energy Solutions includes advanced tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to uncover hidden leaks, insulation gaps, and other inefficiencies that DIY fixes can’t address alone.
You’ll receive a customized action plan, plus access to rebates and incentives through Mass Save®, making upgrades more affordable than ever.
The Big Picture: Why These 7 Steps Make a Real Impact
It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about creating lasting improvements in how your home feels and functions all winter long. This fall home energy checklist is your first step toward a season that’s more comfortable, more efficient, and less stressful.
- Lower Bills: Energy-efficient upgrades and small fixes add up to big savings on your monthly heating costs.
- Increased Comfort: Eliminate frustrating cold spots and drafts so your home stays warm and consistent from room to room.
- Peace of Mind: Know you’ve done everything possible to protect your home from rising energy prices and unpredictable weather.
Start Preparing Today
A little fall prep leads to a more efficient home all season long. Don’t let high heating bills catch you by surprise. Take the ultimate step toward a warmer, more affordable winter.
Schedule your no-cost home energy assessment with the AES team today.
