How to Save Money on Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re facing a sudden chill in the South or months of cold in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for the cold to slip in. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealant or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home can save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to reduce 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 lower when you’re gone or in bed. Thanks to the automatic adjustments 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 shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat model compatible with them to keep efficiency high.
Use the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, let in lots of natural light on south-facing windows to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls don’t have enough insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, keeping more warmth inside and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with a service technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. During the rest of the year, replace the air filter roughly every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep you warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to turning them on throughout the house, use them only when and where you really need extra heat. 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! Add a nice, thick sweater, a pair of warm socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. 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.
Stick to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. When your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This simple trick circulates the heat more evenly and cuts down on additional heating.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many appliances still use electricity 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. Using power strips with an off switch makes it easy.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
The water heater is responsible for a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Explore New Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs help optimize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Follow these practical tips to enjoy a cozy home this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer efficient and dependable services to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
