Seasonal change is displaying its very best.
The beauty of golden leafed aspens, flame red maples, the resilient green of evergreens, crisp blue sky and the surrounding peaks dusted in white, never ceases to amaze. Though, as glorious as it is, we all know what’s to follow. Fall is whispering words of wisdom, it’s time to prepare for winter.
When my kids ask me what to wear in the morning, I begin rattling off articles of clothing, in the order they should layer up: a short sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, a jacket. Maybe pants, maybe shorts. It all depends on what you’ll tolerate best, the cold while waiting at the bus stop, or the heat of the afternoon sun. Before long, I’ll have to add a hat and gloves to the list. And hopefully at some point, they’ll have this life lesson memorized.
Admittedly, I can’t make it through the meat and dairy section of the grocery store, in July, without my fingers freezing. When the recent cold spell came on, so did the house heat. Nothing like the smell of burning dust from that initial start-up to remind you the gas bill is going to rise significantly next month. You might even say, the heat’s on to start thinking about ways to be more energy efficient.
We installed programmable thermostats a few years back. Lowering the thermostat by seven to 10 degrees, a few hours before the house empties for the day, was an easy way to save upward of 10% on heating. You could adjust manually of course, but I suggest you make yourself a reminder until you make it a habit.
You may also look at the location of your thermostats. If positioned in a place where they register extreme temperatures, not indicative of the rest of the room, it can reduce efficiency. It can also cause angst among family members when one sleeps snuggly warm, and the other freezes. Sorry, Adley, it’s tough being the second kid.
Improve efficiency by relocating thermostats to an interior wall, with adequate ventilation and away from heat sources, such as the stove, sunlight, light bulbs or a fireplace.
With the thermostat under tighter control, my mind wanders to other winterizing events that need to happen sooner than later.
Heating accounts for 54% of energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so it’s only logical to go the extra step and seal gaps in doors and windows. Windows are arguably the greatest source of heat loss during winter. That is, unless you have kids who act like they live in a barn and never shut the door. Window coverings in the form of shutters, shades, curtains or an adhesive plastic can help hold in heat. I’m open to suggestions for what to do about the kids.
Our cat, Banjo, is a great mouser, but to get to the garage he destroys the weather stripping with his sharp little claws. Replacing weather stripping on exterior doors, or caulk on windows, is a small price to pay for fewer mice and drafts in the home.
Which brings up another winterizing tip; keep unwanted critters out by limiting their access to food, water and shelter. Seal holes, keep pet food and water cleaned up, cover trash cans, get a mouser or purchase live traps if that’s your thing.
It’s probably safe to say the demise of our tomato plants and annuals will not be a lack of water at this point. Give yours one more good dousing, then it’s time to disconnect the hoses.
From here, we stay buckled down while the Southern half gets their summer fun. All the while, I’ll try not to get jealous of the cat as he sleeps 22 hours a day, only moving to chase the sun coming through the windows. Though, I have no doubt the change of season brings joy to you warm blooded folks. And, I’m happy for you.
For more information about energy efficiency from the Colorado State University Extension, visit https://bit.ly/3iBSqLc.
Nicole Clark is the family and consumer science agent for the La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nicole.clark@colostate.edu or 382-6461.
Key takeaways
Install programmable thermostats.
Replace weather stripping on exterior doors.
Add window coverings and fill gaps with caulk.
Detach hoses.
Reduce pests by limiting access to food, water and shelter.
