This time of year brings falling temperatures — and, for many, rising utility bills. Looking for ways to save energy and money as the seasons change? We tapped George Oliphant, host of NBC’s Emmy-winning home renovation series “George to the Rescue,” for helpful tips to weatherproof your home.
From smart tech to old-school hacks for improving window and door insulation, these expert pointers are set to help you keep warm, conserve energy and stay on top of your finances this fall and winter.
Home energy hacks seen on 3rd hour of TODAY
Use a smart thermostat
One of the easiest ways to drive up your energy bill during the colder months is through your thermostat. Oliphant says the basic idea is simple: Don’t heat an empty house. But that doesn’t have to mean babysitting your thermostat — these days, technology can make it possible to manage your home’s temperature remotely and regulate changes automatically.
This module is paid for by Vivint
Oliphant shares this smart wall thermostat from Vivint, designed to use with the brand’s smart home systems. Using a new feature called Comfort IQ, which includes Vivint’s Smart Comfort technology, it can save you up to hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs when compared to Vivint thermostats running without Smart Comfort, according to the brand.
Not only can you input temperature preferences and make changes remotely through the Vivint app, but this thermostat also uses insights from the brand’s connected home system to reduce heating and cooling bills. The technology learns how and when your household actually uses energy to predict your home’s needs, optimize HVAC runtimes and make adjustments in real time.
Vivint’s smart thermostat integrates with the brand’s Smart Hub Pro 2, which functions as a command center and features an intuitive touchscreen that gives you access your entire system in one place. Build a custom system to suit your household’s needs, with add-ons available such as cameras, smart locks, garage door controllers and water sensors. Note: Professional monitoring billed separately.
Beyond smart tech, Oliphant also shared some old-school tips to help better insulate your home.
Check your windows and doors
Have a draft in your home? Oliphant says windows and doors are usually the culprit. Check for worn weatherstripping or gaps, using your hand or a tissue to help detect if cold air is coming in. If you find a leak, Oliphant recommends a few solutions:
- Replace weatherstripping.
- Add a doorsweep: Choose one based on your floor type: Plastic door sweeps work well on hardwood, while brush-lined ones are better suited for rugs, carpet and tile, per Oliphant.
- Caulk smaller cracks and gaps: Best for areas that don’t move, caulk is ideal for window sills, door frames, pipes, wiring, vents and other places where something may pass through a wall. If you see daylight or an obvious gap, seal it with the appropriate caulk or expanding foam, says Oliphant.
- Cover windows: Consider curtains for an added layer of protection that helps keep warm air inside. Not up for installing a classic curtain rod? Oliphant suggests adhesive options that don’t require special installation.
Conserve heat
Heat rises, so Oliphant notes that you’ll want to be sure you have a strong insulation, especially in your attic. If you find any glaring gaps or areas of disruption, adding more insulation can make a major difference.
Another clever hack? Turn your ceiling fans clockwise during colder seasons to push warm air downward, helping to distribute it throughout your space. In the warmer months, switch the fans back to rotate counterclockwise for a cooling effect.
Replace your HVAC filter
If your HVAC filter is dirty, Oliphant recommends replacing it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. A fresh filter helps your HVAC system move air more efficiently, reducing strain on the system and keeping it from working harder than necessary.
Get smart about water
Oliphant offers several simple yet impactful tips for saving money on water:
- Consider dropping the temperature on your water heater from the factory preset (which Oliphant says can be as high as 140 degrees F) to 120 degrees F.
- Swap in a low-flow shower head to cut down on usage.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Quickly repair any leaks.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories.
- George Oliphant is a home improvement expert and the Emmy Award-winning host and producer of NBC’s “George to the Rescue.”
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