How to Reduce Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden chill in the South or months of cold in New England, use these methods to cut energy costs in winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most common culprits for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air seep out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or spray foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks could save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to control your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re not home or in bed. With the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you come home or wake up in the morning. You shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat model compatible with them to maintain efficiency.
Use the Sun’s Free Heat
During daylight hours, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to take advantage of the natural heat from the sun. Then, shut the blinds when the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your attic, walls or floors don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Preventive HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with a service technician every fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.
Use Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. Rather than using them in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need the extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Add a Warm Layer Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, some thick socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. When your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This small adjustment circulates the heat more evenly and reduces the need for extra heating.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many devices still consume energy when left connected, even when turned off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes it easy.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater is responsible for a major part of each month’s energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs help optimize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Follow these practical tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system performing well, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians deliver fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
