Eversource Energy : This Time of Year, Don’t Fall Behind on Home Energy Efficiency

The temperature is starting to drop, football has started, and the kids are back to school - all tell-tale signs that fall will soon be arriving across New England.

While you clean up the yard and air out your home, consider the following energy efficiency tips to reduce energy and save money throughout the fall, winter and beyond:

In Your House: If you haven't given your heating system a little TLC since the spring, now is the perfect time. Before the fall temperatures kick in for good, schedule a service appointment to check filters, vents and ductwork. Regular HVAC check-ups ensure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible and ready for the change in season.

Once your system is prepped and ready to go, make sure you're not losing heat through cracks and gaps in walls, windows, attics or door frames. Air sealing these problem areas will keep the warm air from escaping and the dropping temps at bay. Not a do-it-yourselfer? Then consider Home Energy Solutions, where an Eversource-authorized contractor will seal those drafts for you.

In Your Garage: Is your old fridge sitting there, taking up space and using extra energy? Old appliances are rarely energy efficient and will run up your utility bill. Use the ENERGY STAR flip your fridge calculator to see how much energy your extra appliance is using, and how much you could be saving by clearing it out of the garage.

Of course, lost heat doesn't just happen in your home; you know how cold and drafty your garage can get, especially during the colder months. Weather stripping placed on your garage door will help stop drafts at the threshold.

In Your Yard: For the homeowner with a green thumb, you might already be considering what new trees or shrubs to plant during the fall season. Did you know where you plant them can actually help your home's temperature remain more consistent throughout the year? For instance, consider planting those evergreen trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of your property to help protect your home against the effects of wind chill. The EPA also suggests that New Englanders plant trees to shade the south and west windows and walls of their homes to help shield it from those summertime sun rays.

We'll start to see less and less of the sun as we approach the end of Daylight Savings Time in November. Before you schedule the next family touch football game, prep your backyard with solar-powered, motion-sensor lights. You'll be able to stay outside for as long as you want - or as long as you can handle the dropping temps!

To learn more energy efficient ways to save at home, go to Eversource.com and the Energy Savings Plan page. This interactive planning tool is free and provides a detailed analysis of your energy usage, a customized savings plan for your home, and available incentives to help you better manage your energy consumption.

EE WITH ENOCH

Enoch Lenge is Eversource's energy efficiency spokesman. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Enoch, please contact a member of the Media Relations team.