How to Reduce Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature falls, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden chill in the South or snowstorms in New England, follow these tips to cut energy costs in winter.
Find and Close Any Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for the cold to slip in. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air seep out. Use insulation strips, sealant or expanding foam to seal these spaces. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Sealing a leaky home can save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to reduce your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re not home or sleeping. Thanks to the programmed scheduling of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you make it home or start your day. You shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to keep efficiency high.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, let in lots of natural light on windows that face south to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and prevent the nighttime cold.
Put in More Insulation
If your floors and attic lack sufficient insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, trapping more heat inside and potentially reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.
Maintain Your Heating System
Preventive HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician each fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than using them in every room, use them only when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle Up Inside
Dressing for the season isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, some thick socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower the thermostat.
Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems consume more electricity. When your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Set your fans to rotate clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This simple trick circulates the heat more evenly and reduces the need for extra heating.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Many devices continue to consume energy when plugged in, even when switched off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices 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 contributes to a major part of each month’s energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing hot water for your household.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve electricity usage. Not only can you program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Try these energy-saving strategies to keep your living space cozy this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians provide fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet all your comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!