How to Reduce Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with a few smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold front in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Find and Close Any Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most obvious places for cold air to enter. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Fully addressing drafts in your home may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to manage your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re not home or sleeping. Thanks to the programmed scheduling of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you get home or get up in the morning. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to ensure energy efficiency.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to harness the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings after the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and block out the nighttime cold.
Add Insulation
If your floors and attic don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, trapping more heat inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Preventative HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Arrange an annual checkup with a service technician during the fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. In the meantime, change the air filter approximately every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. Instead of using them in every room, use them only when and where you really need them. For maximum savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Cozy Up Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.
Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This quick and easy change spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and reduces the need for extra heating.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many appliances continue to consume energy when plugged in, even when powered down. To stop this hidden power drain, disconnect electronics 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.
Adjust the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater contributes to a major part of the monthly energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Explore New Smart Home Technology
Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices maximize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to 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
Try these energy-saving strategies to enjoy a cozy home this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians deliver quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
