Stay Warm and Save Money: Winter Preparation Tips for Kansas City Residents
As temperatures plunge into the teens here in Kansas City, it’s time to think about how to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank! While daily highs are projected to hover in the 50s through early next week, that chilly reality will shift, dipping down into the 30s just in time for the weekend of December 20. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—let’s make sure your home is prepped for the winter season!
Understanding Your Heating Bills
It might be tempting to crank up the heat as soon as the thermometer drops, but caution is key. Turning up the temperature can lead to some seriously high energy bills, especially if your home isn’t properly insulated. So, what’s the magic number? The U.S. Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat set between 68 to 70 degrees while you’re awake and maybe letting it drop a few degrees when you’re sleeping. Every little bit helps!
Smart Thermostats: Your New Best Friend
Sometimes, adjusting the temperature is one of those easy tasks we forget about, especially when you’re heading out or settling down for the night. That’s where smart thermostats come into play! These nifty gadgets let you pre-program temperature changes based on your habits, so you don’t have to lift a finger. If you’re an Evergy customer, good news! You may be eligible for a free or discounted smart thermostat simply by visiting their website. It’s a cool way to stay warm!
Seal the Deal with Energy Efficiency
Let’s talk dollars and cents: the cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy you never use! Maximizing your home’s energy efficiency is the name of the game. First step? Make sure your windows, doors, chimney, and any other openings to the outside are well-sealed. This sealant superhero act helps keep the warm air in and the cold air out — it’s a win-win!
The harder your furnace has to work just to circulate warm air, the higher those energy bills will stack up. So lend your HVAC system a helping hand by changing your furnace filter and giving your vents a good cleaning before the chill really sets in. Filters can easily be found at your local hardware or general stores, so there’s no excuse for letting it slide!
A Quick Energy Efficiency Checklist
- Set your thermostat to 68-70°F when awake and lower at night.
- Consider investing in a smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures.
- Seal windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent drafts.
- Change your furnace filter regularly to keep the system running smoothly.
- Clean your ducts and vents to maximize airflow.
Need More Information?
Have questions about energy efficiency or local utilities in Kansas City? Don’t hesitate to reach out for help! Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart decisions and some handy tools at your disposal, you can enjoy a snug home while keeping those pesky bills in check.
So, Kansas City friends, gear up for the winter season and stay toasty without the financial freeze!
