How to Reduce Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with a few smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re facing a cold front in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, follow these tips to cut energy costs in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most likely spots for the cold to slip in. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or spray foam to seal these spaces. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to reduce your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re away or sleeping. Thanks to the programmed scheduling of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to fit your comfort before you get home or wake up in the morning. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to take advantage of the warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds after the sun goes down to keep that heat in and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add More Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls lack sufficient insulation, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. 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 is insulated, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Preventive HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. During the rest of the year, swap out the air filter roughly every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow and reduces the energy your system uses to keep your home warm.
Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Instead of using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For maximum savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Cozy 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, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
Stick to High Efficiency Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. When your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Set your fans to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This small adjustment improves heat distribution and reduces the need for extra heating.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Many devices still use electricity when left connected, even when powered down. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using power strips with an off switch makes it easy.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater accounts for a large chunk of the monthly energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still delivering hot water 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 set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can access it via your phone or tablet. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and self-adjust for comfort to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Use these helpful suggestions to enjoy a cozy home this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
