winter outdoor energy savings

The first idea that comes to our minds when planning outdoor energy savings is to consider a better outdoor lighting, but there are other (often indirect) ways of getting it, namely during winter...

Gutters and tiles

Check your roof and look for damaged shingles. Roof leaks are a cause of damages and also of energy loss.

Stay on top of any needed repair. Also check your roof and gutters for ice buildup; clean out downspouts and gutters. Spray water down the downspouts to wash away debris and leaves. That's important to prevent ice dams and higher energy demands.

insulation and air sealing

Indoor insulation – involving the attic, the basement, the floors… - is obviously important for energy efficiency and energy savings. But exterior insulation, that is, the insulation of the exterior walls, is also crucial, mainly in the northern winters.

In other words: for huge energy savings during the winter, and maximum comfort, more than any other improvement, a continuous layer of a high-effective insulation material over the whole envelope can be a true small miracle.

Obviously, exterior insulation isn't an easy task, or an inexpensive improvement, but it is the most important single element for energy savings and comfort.

See, for details: Energy Efficient Walls

Gaps on the home's exterior

Even minor gaps around exterior vents or around window frames can have a major effect on your heating (and cooling) system. To fix these typically small gaps use a good silicone caulk.

Wall areas where different construction materials come into contact - molding meeting with metal doors, wood framing meeting concrete foundations, vinyl siding meeting brick, etc. - may easily become leak areas. If your inspection of your home's exterior detects such gaps, use foams to seal them. See: Air Sealing Products.

Sealing your windows and doors

Leaky windows and doors are a major source of energy loss in colder climates. Sealing and weatherstripping them is very important for winter energy savings.

See: Home Insulation Solutions , Roof and Ceiling Insulation and Exterior Wall Insulation

Outdoor and Christmas lighting

Decorative Christmas outdoor lighting can explain higher energy costs during the winter holiday period.

Christmas LED lights To avoid it, you may use solar lights or LED lighting displays. They are a way of preserving the Christmas spirit in a much more environmentally-friendly way. They cost a little more than traditional displays, but you will recover your investment quickly. Bet on energy-saving decorations.

And bet also on outdoor energy-saving lighting (not only for the winter, but also for the whole year). There are now energy-saving bulbs with a large lifespan, providing the same quality of traditional outdoor bulbs. And there are now sound energy-efficient solutions for gardens, pathways and other outdoor spaces, namely low-voltage outdoor lighting kits and outdoor solar lighting. Solar outdoor lights

See:
Energy Efficient Christmas lighting
Holiday Waste and Energy Efficiency

Snow blowers

Snow-blowers are very energy-inefficient and energy guzzling. Shoveling (including the new concept of wheeled shoveling) should be considered as an alternative. Ask or pay somebody to shovel the snow around your property, if the job is too hard for you.

See: Snow Blowers

Leaf blowers

Gas leaf blowers are energy guzzling. Consider alternatives such as traditional rakes, leaf sweepers or, if in some cases some small electric leaf blowers, if you do need a leaf blower...