Staying at home all day and noticing a spike in your energy bills? In difficult times like these, saving every little bit helps. Energy efficiency might not be on the top of your mind right now, but it could be a great way to keep your kids occupied AND save you money in the process.
Check On Your Furnace Filter
After working hard to warm your home all winter, your furnace filter is most likely covered in layers of dust, especially if you do not replace it regularly. Built-up dust will affect your furnace’s overall performance, and it need more energy to pull air through its system. Your furnace filter should be replaced every three months. A clean furnace filter could improve your home’s overall air quality AND save you money! It would be a great teaching opportunity for your kids to learn about how your home heating system works and how air flows through your home. This diagram might be helpful:
Air Seal Your Home
Having a properly sealed home can save up to 30% of your energy use! With your furnace likely constantly running right now, heat loss can impact your energy bills. Dress your kids up to be “Heat Loss Detectives” and investigate where cold air is getting in by placing their hands around doors and windows. They can check outlets on exterior walls and under sinks around the pipes. After discovering where the heat losses are, you can install or replace weatherstripping to keep warm air in, and use outlet gaskets and rags or insulating foam around pipes. Not only will this save you money, but it also makes for a great family activity!
Ready, Set, Repair!
Winter months can be tough on your home. Take a walk around the outside of your house to check for cracks, loose shingles or siding while enjoying some much-needed sunshine and fresh air. These could potentially create holes in your building envelope and let cold air or water in.
Let It Dry
We can all agree that laundry is not necessarily a fun chore. But for our little humans, learning how to do chores is an essential life skill! Remember to wash your laundry in cold water and hang them to dry to limit your energy use. Make this a fun activity by having your little helpers arrange your clothes by colour and make a rainbow!
These activities will help you pass the time make sure your home is energy efficient while spending quality time with your family. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for your family fun energy-saving activities!
Leave a Comment