How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with some simple adjustments, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for cold air to enter. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or expanding foam to block these gaps. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Plan Heating Schedules on the Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to manage your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or in bed. Because of the automatic management of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you get home or start your day. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During daylight hours, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to harness the warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds after the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and prevent the nighttime cold.
Add More Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls 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 already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Preventative HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which lowers expenses. Schedule an annual checkup with a service technician every fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. During the rest of the year, change the air filter roughly every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores full air circulation while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep your home warm.
Use Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than turning them on throughout the house, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For the best energy savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Cozy Up Inside
Layering up isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, some thick socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.
Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. If 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 help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a low setting in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This quick and easy change spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and cuts down on additional heating.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many appliances continue to draw power 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 power strips with an off switch makes this tip easier to follow.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
A home’s water heater contributes to a large chunk of your energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Explore New Smart Home Technology
Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices improve electricity usage. Not only is it possible to program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can access it via your phone or tablet. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and self-adjust for comfort to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Follow these practical tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
