LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — With cooler temperatures in the Las Vegas valley, experts say it’s time to start thinking about ways to save money – and energy.
Taking the time to protect investments can pay off in the long run, said Adam Grant, director of electrification & energy services at NV Energy. He added that there are key things homeowners should do inside and outside to get their homes winter-ready.
“A lot of the tips we give for folks in the summertime… they all apply in the winter; some are just opposite,” Grant said. “(Check) the insulation in your attic to make sure it keeps the heat in in the colder month. (Make) sure that any draft from any window sealants is sealed and you have no inner air that’s coming in and out of the home unnecessarily.”
He also recommends a tune-up for heaters to ensure they work efficiently for the cooler weather. Also, Grant’s advice is to set the thermostat to an automatic setting.
“We recommend setting it at 68 degrees in the winter to maximize the heating in your home,” said Grant. “If you’re going away, if you’re leaving the house for multiple hours, lower it a little bit.”
It is also helpful to open blinds to allow the sun to provide natural during daylight hours and check the temperature on household water heaters.
“Make sure your temperature is set at the right temperature, which is about 120 [degrees],” said Grant. “You can also get a water heater blanket which keeps the water warmer in the water heater longer.”
Not limited to the inside, savings may be available outside of the home as well.
“The pool, especially here in Southern Nevada, is the second most user of energy in a home,” said Grant. “Get a pool pump. Make sure it’s a multi-speed pool pump, and it’s not just a single speed.”
Whether winter or summer, NV Energy officials stress the importance of year-round savings.
“Any energy that is not used is a benefit to all of the customers in Nevada,” said Grant. “It means NV Energy doesn’t have to produce it. It means we don’t have to either procure it or generate it which means rates can come down.”
According to NV Energy, rates at the end of 2024 will be less than those at the end of 2023.
NV Energy offers free energy assessments to help find opportunities to save energy in the home. To sign up, visit the free energy assessment page of NV Energy’s website. Interested parties can also sign up to receive a free smart thermostat.
