How to Save Money on Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature falls, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods 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 seep out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or expanding foam 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 useful accessory to manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or sleeping. Because of the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you get home or start your day. 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 ensure energy efficiency.
Use the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to take advantage of the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and block out the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your floors and attic aren’t properly insulated, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and potentially reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further increase energy efficiency.
Maintain Your Heating System
Preventative HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with a maintenance technician every fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter approximately every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also costly to run. Rather than trying to add one in every room, use them only when and where you really need the extra heat. For maximum savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Add a Warm Layer Inside
Dressing for the season 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 grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for 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 spin clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This simple trick improves heat distribution and cuts down on additional heating.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many devices continue to draw power when left connected, even when turned off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes this tip easier to follow.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
The water heater accounts for a large chunk of your energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices maximize electricity usage. Not only can you set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even adapt to your behavior and tweak temperature settings on its own to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Use these helpful suggestions to enjoy a cozy home 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 deliver efficient and dependable services to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
