As the cold, snowy Park City winter approaches, there are a few things everyone can do to help improve sustainability. When temperatures start to drop, everyone’s thermostat kicks in, heating the house back up to a normal temperature. However, generating this heat requires the use of fossil fuels, emitting carbon into the atmosphere. By consuming less heat, less carbon is released into the atmosphere. The following are some ways to help minimize the energy spent heating your house.

Let the sun in during the daytime. The sun is a free source of heat, and by keeping your blinds open on a Park City winter day, your house can capture some of this heat by taking advantage of the greenhouse effect. Conversely, close your curtains come nighttime. Windows can be a key source of heat loss because they are not as well insulted as walls. By closing your curtains, you can cut down on heat loss and take strain off your furnace. Additionally, you can purchase insulated curtains that decrease heat loss and maximize your windows’ energy efficiency.  

Sealing air leaks and drafts is also a key way to minimize heat loss. Although commonly unnoticed, air leaks can a large source of heat loss, increasing the need for your furnace. Common locations of air leaks include external doors, windows, attics, and basements. The cost of properly sealing these locations will have minimal expense, but the benefits on both your heating bill and the environment are quite impactful.

By Pearson Ehrich