How to Reduce Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really feel overwhelming. But with a few smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden chill in the South or snowstorms in New England, follow these tips to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.
Look for and Seal 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 seep out. Use insulation strips, sealant or expanding foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. 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 reduce your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or asleep. Because of the automatic management 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 shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, let in lots of natural light on south-facing windows to take advantage of the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds once the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and prevent the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your attic, walls or floors 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 already has some insulation, using better insulation can further increase energy efficiency.
Maintain Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which saves money. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician each fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. In the meantime, change the air filter roughly every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.
Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. As an alternative to using them in every room, 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.
Add a Warm Layer Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, some thick socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat 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.
Stick to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for 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 circulate heat downward into the room. This small adjustment improves heat distribution and cuts down on additional heating.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Many devices continue to use electricity when left connected, even when powered down. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips helps keep it from being a hassle.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
The water heater is responsible for a major part of the monthly energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing hot water 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 adjust the temperature automatically to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Try these energy-saving strategies to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians provide fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
