How to save energy and make your home more comfortable this winter

Temperatures have dropped in recent weeks, which has caused many to reach for the thermostat.

There are ways you can make sure you heat your home efficiently and save money this winter. Some upgrades may even qualify for a rebate or tax credit.

The two biggest elements that contribute to a home’s energy efficiency are usually the heating and cooling system and the “building envelope,” or all the components that separate the inside from the outside, said Rachel Goodgal, director of government at the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance.

“They obviously work together. The tighter your building frame is, the less hard your HVAC system has to work,” Goodgal said.

But before starting a big project like replacing a furnace or installing insulation, Goodgal said homeowners and renters can look to smaller measures to make their homes more comfortable.

These include cleaning or replacing furnace filters, having the furnace inspected and serviced annually, and sealing air leaks around windows and doors.

PPL Electric offers tips to save about energy consumption. Its website says that all the hidden air leaks from windows, doors, skylights and other openings can equal a hole the size of an open window. Leaks can be sealed with sealant or foam stripping.

PPL also recommends using insulating curtains or blinds. On south-facing windows, curtains can be left open during the day to let in sunlight and closed at night to reduce cold and drafts.

If you are not sure where to start, a energy audit in the home can provide guidance on which jobs should be tackled first.

During an audit, a certified assessor will carry out a room-by-room examination as well as a review of previous energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy says assessors can use equipment to detect sources of energy loss, such as blower doors, infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters and surface thermometers. After the audit, the assessor will provide a list of recommendations.

Energy audits and the resulting upgrades are often eligible for tax credits and rebates.

The Inflation Reduction Act expanded Energy-efficient home improvement tax deduction. Through 2032, the law allows people to claim 30% of the cost of the upgrade, up to certain dollar limits.

For example, people can claim a credit of up to $150 per year about energy audits in the home carried out by a certified assessor. People can claim 30% of the cost to replace a furnace with an efficient heat pump, up to $2,000.

Goodgal said many electric companies offer rebates to people who make efficiency upgrades.

“All the major electric utilities … (are) required to have energy efficiency programs under Pennsylvania Act 129. Many of the gas utilities also have voluntary efficiency programs,” she said.

PPL offers discounts of up to $500 for attic insulation and up to $100 for, among other things, a smart thermostat.

The Weatherization Assistance Program can help Pennsylvania residents with upgrades if they have an income of 200% or less Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of 4, that’s $62,400 a year or less.

Read more from our partners, WITF.