How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re facing a cold snap 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 letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Properly sealing all the air leaks could save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to manage your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re not home or sleeping. With the automatic adjustments 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 won’t lose any warmth, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to maintain efficiency.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to take advantage of the warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings when the sun goes down 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 acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.
Don’t Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. In the meantime, replace the air filter on average every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.
Use Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can offer a fast way to heat, but they’re also costly to run. As an alternative to turning them on throughout the house, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle Up Inside
Layering up isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, some thick socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Set your fans to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This simple trick improves heat distribution and lessens heating demand.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many electronics still use electricity when left connected, even when turned off. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off helps keep it from being a hassle.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
The water heater is responsible for a significant portion of your energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing hot water for your household.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices improve electricity usage. Not only can you program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and tweak temperature settings on its own to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Follow these practical tips to keep your living space cozy this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system performing well, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer efficient and dependable services to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
