How to Save Money on Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with a few strategic changes, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re facing a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for the cold to slip in. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealant or foam sealant to fill these leaks. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home could save up to 20% on heating costs.
Use the Scheduling Feature on 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 decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or in bed. Thanks to the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you get home or wake up in the morning. You won’t lose any warmth, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to keep efficiency high.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, 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 insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add More Insulation
If your floors and attic lack sufficient 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 already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Preventative HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with a service technician every fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can offer a fast way to heat, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than turning them on throughout the house, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Add a Warm Layer Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy 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 can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.
Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems consume more electricity. Once your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Make sure the fans are set to spin clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This quick and easy change improves heat distribution and cuts down on additional heating.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many appliances continue to draw power when plugged in, even when switched off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using power strips with an off switch helps keep it from being a hassle.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
A home’s water heater accounts for a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve electricity usage. Not only can you set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and self-adjust for comfort to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
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, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
