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It’s officially hoodie and sweater weather in Chicagoland! As the leaves start to change colors and we gear up for football and pumpkin season, now is the time to start preparing for the increased energy costs that come with owning a home in the Midwest. Here are four tips to help you stay warm and save this season.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you’ve ever felt the regret of leaving the A/C or heat on after heading to work for the day or worse, after you’ve left town for a long weekend, then you know what it feels like to waste money heating or cooling an empty home. It’s money down the drain! Smart thermostats such as ecobee can be operated through your phone and allow you to adjust or turn your HVAC on or off remotely.
Smart thermostats are easy to install and can be compatible with your existing furnace. With so many options on the market, you can start with a simple model or go for a higher-priced tech savvy version. I recommend visiting your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or other home improvement store to check out the options and prices. You’ll need a handyman or electrician to install your smart thermostat, and you can even call them before you buy to ask if they recommend a particular model for your home.
Finally, many utility providers offer a rebate to homeowners who purchase a smart thermostat, so keep your receipt because you will need to upload it to apply for a rebate.
2. Weatherize Your Home to Keep the Cold Outside
When cold air seeps through windows, doors, and other openings, especially in older homes, you will need to turn your heat up to stay comfortable. Experienced Midwesterners know that weatherization is important, and here are a few go-to products that can help keep the cold outside:
- Clear plastic window kits;
- Door sweeps (attachable with adhesive or screws);
- Decorative door draft stoppers (placed behind doors to stop drafts);
- Window tape, caulking, and rubber strips to cover gaps in windows and window frames; and
- Outlet covers (yes, drafts can come in through outlets!).
I’ll never forget when my parents showed me how to install plastic on the windows after I bought my first home in Chicago, and my friends who move here from warmer places are amazed at how effective it is! For other weatherization products, Menards has a great guide here, and your utility company might have a free weatherization kit that you can order online. Nicor customers can order a free weatherization kit here.
3. Consider Investing in Major Weatherization Repairs
If your furnace is on the fritz, now might be a good time to consider replacing it before the extreme weather hits. From personal experience, I can tell you it’s no fun having a furnace go out in below-zero temperatures. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can lead to frozen pipes and other issues. So, consider shopping around now to compare prices, specials, and financing before you need to make an emergency call. Just like with the smart thermostat, your utility provider might offer a rebate for a new furnace.
If your windows are letting in major drafts, you might want to prioritize replacing them as well. Many companies offer flexible financing, so shopping around is important.
Finally, if you need home repairs to help your family stay warm this winter but can’t afford it, there are a number of programs that provide financial assistance. For example, the Community & Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) offers utility assistance through its LIHEAP program. Check out CEDA’s website here for eligibility requirements and to apply.
4. Right-sizing Your Home
Finally, the larger the home, the higher the heating bill. If you are a recent empty-nester or you no longer need the space of the home you’re in, downsizing to a home that better fits your needs might be the best way to significantly lower your utility costs.
I hope this information was helpful! Here’s to a warm, cozy, and budget-friendly fall and winter 2024!
Sincerely,
Shahiedah
