Sustainable Winter Prep:
Eco-Friendly Heating and Home Winterization Tips

As fall ushers in cooler temperatures and winter is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months. Winterizing your house sustainably not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also lower your energy bills. Here’s a quick guide to eco-friendly ways to get your home winter-ready.

Use Eco-Friendly Heating Solutions

Finding greener ways to heat your home can significantly reduce your environmental impact while keeping you warm and cozy during the winter. Here are a few sustainable heating solutions to consider:

Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets, which are considered a renewable energy source. They produce far fewer emissions compared to traditional wood stoves, making them an eco-friendlier option. Plus, pellet stoves are highly efficient, converting nearly all the fuel into heat. Look for pellets made from recycled wood waste or agricultural by-products to reduce your reliance on virgin materials.

Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heating systems use the sun’s energy to heat your water, cutting down on the need for gas or electric water heaters. While there’s an upfront cost to installing solar panels, they can significantly reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint in the long term. Solar thermal systems work even in colder climates, making them ideal for fall and winter heating.

Geothermal Heating Systems
Geothermal heating taps into the earth’s stable underground temperatures to heat your home. This system uses a heat pump to transfer warmth from the ground into your home, providing a highly efficient and sustainable heating solution. Although the initial installation cost is higher, geothermal systems can save you money on energy bills over time, while also reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces. They work by transferring heat from the air or ground into your home. Air-source heat pumps can operate even in colder temperatures, while ground-source (or geothermal) heat pumps are even more efficient but come with a higher installation cost. Both options greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional heating systems.

Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is a method where heat is supplied through the floor, either with electric heating cables or by circulating hot water through pipes (hydronic systems). When combined with eco-friendly energy sources like solar panels or geothermal energy, radiant heating is incredibly energy-efficient. This system warms up the entire room evenly, reducing the need for extra heating devices and lowering energy consumption.

Efficient Space Heaters
For smaller spaces or as a supplemental heat source, opt for energy-efficient electric space heaters. Look for models with built-in thermostats and timers to minimize energy waste. Even better, choose space heaters powered by renewable energy sources if your home uses solar or wind power.

Eco-Friendly Wood Stoves
If you prefer traditional wood-burning stoves, opt for models certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for lower emissions and improved efficiency. Additionally, using sustainably sourced firewood from responsibly managed forests can reduce your environmental impact. Consider choosing logs made from recycled wood waste or biomass briquettes as an even greener alternative.

Swap Out Old Furnace Filters

One simple but effective way to boost your home’s energy efficiency is by regularly replacing or cleaning your furnace filters. Dirty filters force your heating system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and reducing air quality.

Switch to Washable or Reusable Filters
Instead of constantly buying disposable filters, opt for washable or reusable furnace filters. These eco-friendly alternatives can last for years if properly maintained (we can attest to that!), reducing waste and saving you money in the long run. Made from durable materials like electrostatic fibers, washable filters capture dust, allergens, and other particles just as effectively as disposable filters.
To maintain efficiency, clean your reusable filters every 1-3 months, depending on your home's air quality. Simply remove the filter, wash it with water, let it air dry, and reinstall. Not only do washable filters cut down on waste, but they also reduce the frequency of filter replacements, lowering the demand for manufacturing and transportation resources.

Energy Savings
Using a clean furnace filter—whether it’s washable or not—can improve airflow, allowing your heating system to operate more efficiently. This reduces strain on your furnace and can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a more eco-friendly home.

Reduce Water Heater Temperature

Lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120°F (49°C) can significantly cut down on energy usage without sacrificing comfort. Consider adding an insulation blanket to the tank to retain heat more effectively, reducing the need for constant reheating.

Maximize Natural Light and Heat

Make the most of sunny days by keeping blinds and curtains open to let in natural light and warmth. This simple step reduces the need for artificial heating and lighting during the day.

Compost Fallen Leaves

Instead of sending yard waste to the landfill, compost your fallen leaves. Use them to mulch your garden or create nutrient-rich compost for the spring. This practice not only enriches your soil but reduces methane emissions from decomposing leaves in landfills.

Prepare Your Garden and Outdoor Spaces

Winterize your garden in an eco-friendly way by using organic mulch to protect plant roots and conserve moisture. Store garden furniture and tools properly to extend their lifespan and avoid unnecessary replacements.

Winterizing your home sustainably doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With small but impactful changes, you can prepare for the colder months while keeping the environment in mind. These eco-friendly steps not only protect your home but also contribute to a greener planet.

Our ElectroDust™ Washable Air Filter

ElectroDust filters provide higher than industry average air quality and are built to higher standards. Our environmentally friendly filters allow you to wash and re-use them over a ten-year lifespan. After just ten months of using our filters, you will begin to realize savings. Furthermore, because ElectroDust filters are more efficient at capturing dust and foreign particles, you won’t require duct cleaning as often, saving you even more money. Less dusting means a healthier home.