How to Lower Electricity Bills This 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 spending a fortune. Whether you’re facing a cold front in the South or snowstorms in New England, try these suggestions to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.
Find and Close Any Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to block these gaps. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Sealing a leaky home could save up to 20% on heating costs.
Plan Heating Schedules on the 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 drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re away or sleeping. With the automatic management of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you get home or start your day. You won’t feel a difference, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to maintain efficiency.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, pull back drapes and shades on south-facing windows to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, close the window coverings when the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further increase energy efficiency.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. In the meantime, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A new filter restores full air circulation and reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than turning them on throughout the house, use them only 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 turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, pull on fluffy socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems are much less efficient. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.
Use the Winter Setting on 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 push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This quick and easy change spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and cuts down on additional heating.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many electronics continue to draw power when plugged in, even when turned off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, unplug devices 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 Your Water Heater Temperature
The 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 delivering hot water for your household.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting help optimize 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 learn your HVAC habits and tweak temperature settings on its own to combine efficiency with comfort.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Follow these practical tips 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 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!
