How to Lower Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature drops, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re facing a cold front in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most likely spots for letting in drafts. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air seep out. Use insulation strips, sealant or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Sealing a leaky home can save up to 20% on heating costs.
Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to control your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re gone or in bed. Thanks to the automatic management of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you get home or get up in the morning. You won’t feel a difference, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat model compatible with them to maintain efficiency.
Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to harness the natural heat from the sun. Then, draw the curtains once the sun goes down to hold onto the warmth and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add More Insulation
If your attic, walls or floors aren’t properly insulated, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, using better insulation can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Maintain Your Heating System
Preventative HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, change the air filter around every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. As an alternative to trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For maximum savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle Up Inside
Layering up isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, 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 adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. If 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 can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This small adjustment circulates the heat more evenly and lessens heating demand.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many devices still use electricity when plugged in, even when switched off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes this tip easier to follow.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater is responsible for a major part of your 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.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs help optimize electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Use these helpful suggestions to stay warm and comfortable this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians provide quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
