How to Save Money on Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home warm can really add up. But with a few smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re experiencing a cold front in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to cut energy costs in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air seep out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Sealing a leaky home may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to control your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or asleep. Thanks to the automatic adjustments 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 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, check that you use a thermostat that’s compatible to keep efficiency high.
Use the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, let in lots of natural light on windows that face south to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds after the sun goes down to keep that heat in and block out the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, trapping more heat inside and possibly lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.
Maintain Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Schedule an annual checkup with a maintenance technician each fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter roughly every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Instead of trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For maximum savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Cozy Up Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you could 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. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.
Take Advantage of 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 circulate heat downward into the room. This simple trick spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.
Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many appliances still 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 Your Water Heater Temperature
Your water heater accounts for a large chunk of your energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy while still delivering hot water for your household.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs 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 combine efficiency with comfort.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
