How to Save Money on Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re facing a cold front in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, use these methods to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most common culprits for the cold to slip in. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air escape. Use insulation strips, sealant or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a good option to control your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re not home or in bed. Because of the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you make it home or get up in the morning. You shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to keep efficiency high.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
During daylight hours, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to harness the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains once the sun sets to keep that heat in and block out the nighttime cold.
Add Insulation
If your floors and attic aren’t properly insulated, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with a service technician each fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. Between these visits, change the air filter roughly every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to trying to add one 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, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.
Stick to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Make sure the fans are set to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This quick and easy change spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many devices continue to draw power when left connected, even when powered down. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, disconnect electronics like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off makes this tip easier to follow.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater accounts for a significant portion of each month’s energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use while still delivering 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 is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can access it via your phone or tablet. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Try these energy-saving strategies 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 Expert technicians deliver efficient and dependable services to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
