PowerHouse Tip of the Month
October Tip of the Month: Change your furnace filter
As temperatures drop, your heating system is about to become one of the hardest working appliances in your home. Before the heating season gets into full swing, take a few minutes to replace your furnace filter.
It’s a small task, but a clean filter plays an important role in keeping your heating system running efficiently. Dust, pet hair and other debris accumulates in filters over time. This restricts airflow and makes your furnace work harder to circulate warm air throughout your home. With limited airflow, your system uses more energy and has a harder time maintaining consistent temperatures.
If you’re not sure which filter is right for your system, find out how to choose the right furnace filter for your home.
While you prepare your home for colder temperatures, consider other ways to improve heating efficiency:
- Seal drafts around doors and windows.
- Adjust your thermostat when you're away.
- Schedule routine HVAC maintenance.
If it's time to replace aging heating equipment, our Instant Discounts program can help lower the upfront cost of qualifying high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps and other HVAC equipment installed by participating contractors. Upgrading to more efficient equipment can reduce energy use, lower heating costs and improve comfort for years to come.
September Tip of the Month: Plant a tree for shade and savings
The right tree in the right place can do more than beautify your yard. Strategic tree planting can provide shade, improve comfort and reduce the amount of energy you need to cool your home. Learn how a few smart planting decisions today can deliver benefits for years to come.
Catch Pete and Megan on A&E’s “Betting on Beloit”
PowerHouse hosts Pete and Megan are bringing this month's energy-saving tip to a national audience.
Tune in to “Betting on Beloit” Saturday, September 19, at 11 a.m. on A&E to hear how planting the right trees in the right locations can help reduce energy use, provide shade and improve comfort around your home.
“Betting on Beloit” host Konya visits PowerHouse
The conversation continues on PowerHouse the weekend of September 19 when “Betting on Beloit” host Konya joins Pete and Megan for a special episode focused on home improvement, tree planting and – as usual – saving energy.
Together, they'll discuss how thoughtful landscaping can enhance your property, improve curb appeal and help make your home more energy efficient. Don't miss this special collaboration between two shows dedicated to helping homeowners get the most from their homes.
Why should you consider planting a tree?
Planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home's energy performance.
Planting the right tree in the right spot can:
- Reduce cooling costs. Shade from trees can help keep your home cooler during the warmer months, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Improve home comfort. Trees can block intense afternoon sun and help create cooler outdoor living spaces.
- Add beauty and value. Well-placed trees can improve landscaping, increase curb appeal and enhance your property's appearance.
- Support long-term savings. As trees mature, the shade they provide can help lower energy use year after year.
Check out these tree-planting tips before you get started:
- Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to provide shade during summer months.
- Avoid planting large trees too close to your home's foundation, roof or utility lines.
- Consider the mature size of the tree before you plant.
- Choose tree species well suited to your climate and growing conditions.
A little planning today can help you enjoy cooler summers, greater comfort and energy savings for years to come.
August Tip of the Month: Cut back on hot water use
Many of us use hot water without a second thought. Between laundry, showers, dishes and other daily tasks, heating water can account for a significant portion of your home's energy use. The good news is, a few simple changes can reduce hot water use and lower your energy waste.
One of the easiest places to start is the laundry room. Summer often means more loads of laundry from things like going to the pool, playing sports and working in the garden. Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible saves energy and still gets most everyday loads clean.
Think about other daily habits. Shorter showers make a big difference. So does waiting until you have full loads to run the dishwasher.
Consider a few simple upgrades and maintenance tasks. Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of hot water used without sacrificing comfort. If you notice a dripping faucet or leaking hot water pipe, address it as soon as possible. Even minor leaks can waste both water and energy to heat it.
It’s also worth checking your water heater's temperature setting. Lowering the temperature reduces energy use and still provides plenty of hot water for everyday needs. Most households can safely set their water heater to 120 F. For additional savings, insulate your water heater and exposed hot water pipes to help water retain heat as it travels through your home.
These simple changes may seem small on their own, but together can lead to meaningful savings over time and keep your household running comfortably.