Fall Energy Efficiency Checklist: Simple Tips to Save

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisper, it’s a clear sign that fall is here and winter isn’t far behind. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for colder temperatures, ensuring comfort while keeping energy use in check.

The Sponsors of Mass Save have a helpful fall energy efficiency checklist to guide you through simple, practical steps to make your home more energy-smart this season. From sealing drafts to optimizing your heating system, these tips can help you stay comfortable and save money all season long.

Stop the drafts and air leaks

Air leaks are a major source of energy loss in homes, often causing drafty rooms and higher heating bills. Fall is the perfect time to find and seal these leaks before winter arrives. Inspect areas around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures, and use weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam to close any gaps. Sealing these openings helps keep cold air out, warm air in, and your home more comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the season.

Insulate floors, attics and walls

Proper insulation is key to keeping your home comfortable and your energy use in check. Adding or updating insulation in your attic, walls, and floors helps trap heat during the winter and keeps your home cooler when it’s warm outside. Fall is the perfect time to check your insulation levels and add more if needed. Insulating exposed pipes and ducts can help prevent heat loss and freezing. These simple steps can make a big difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and your wallet this season.

Replace single pane windows

As temperatures start to drop this fall, ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certified windows can help keep your home warm and block cold drafts during the winter. These windows also protect floors, carpets, and furniture from sun damage, while improving overall energy efficiency. With rebates from the Sponsors of Mass Save, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR models can save a typical home $101 to $583 a year. For an extra layer of protection, installing drapes or shades can help keep warm air inside and cold air out, making it easier to maintain a cozy indoor temperature.

Bonus Tip: A great first step toward a more energy-efficient home is weatherization, which includes upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and replacing windows. To make it easier, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer no-cost Home Energy Assessments. During an assessment, a trained Energy Specialist will identify energy-saving opportunities, recommend upgrades, and guide you through available rebates, incentives, and 0% financing options, helping you make your home more comfortable and efficient without breaking the bank.

Check your air filters

Before the cold sets in, make sure your heating system is ready to go. Simple maintenance like cleaning or replacing your air filters can help boost efficiency and extend your system’s lifespan. Fall is the perfect time to tackle any issues or repairs before heating season kicks into full swing.

Conserve your heat

Small habits can add up to big savings. Setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and keeping your fireplace damper closed when it’s not in use can help conserve your home’s heat. These simple adjustments help your home reduce energy waste and make a noticeable difference in your energy use over the season.

Bonus Tip: Smart thermostats make it easier to save energy year-round by giving you more control over your heating and cooling needs. Many models are Wi-Fi enabled, so you can adjust the temperature from anywhere right from your phone. Some even learn your habits, automatically programming themselves based on your schedule and whether your home is occupied. Plus, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates to help you save when installing a smart thermostat, making this upgrade even more affordable.

Adjust your water heater temperature

Most water heaters are set to 140°F by default. During the warmer months, this may not be much of an issue, but as fall brings cooler temperatures and rainy days, you might be taking hotter showers. Water above 120°F can scald skin and waste energy. Lowering your water heater to 120°F helps protect your household while saving energy.

Inspect and clean your gutters

In the fall, leaves and debris can quickly build up in your gutters, blocking water flow. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even roof leaks. Regularly inspect and clean your gutters to keep water flowing freely and consider adding gutter guards to prevent future clogs. Keeping your gutters in good shape now helps protect your home from costly water-related problems during the winter.

Bonus Tip: Ice dams are a common concern during Massachusetts winters. A row of icicles along your roofline can be a warning sign that ice dams are forming. Improving insulation and air sealing can help reduce the risk and protect your roof from damage. In addition to keeping gutters clear, consider adding insulation to your attic floor and improving ventilation in your roof, attic, and eaves.

Go Battery-Powered in the Yard

Even your fall yard work can be energy efficient. Switching to a battery-powered leaf blower makes it easier to clear leaves, grass clippings, and debris while offering quieter operation, lower maintenance, and an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered tools. Plus, the Sponsors of Mass Save make the transition even more affordable, offering a $30 rebate when you upgrade to a battery-powered leaf blower. It’s a simple way to make your fall clean-up more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Taking these simple steps and extra precautions this fall can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency this winter. From sealing air leaks and updating insulation to maintaining your heating system and checking gutters, each task helps your home stay cozy while conserving energy. And with resources from the Sponsors of Mass Save, there are plenty of ways to make your home more efficient without breaking the bank. Start your fall checklist today, and enjoy a warmer, more energy-smart season ahead.