How to Reduce Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home warm can really feel overwhelming. But with the right simple adjustments, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dealing with a cold front in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for the cold to slip in. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or spray foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Fully addressing drafts in your home can save up to 20% on heating costs.
Plan Heating Schedules on the Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to control your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re away or in bed. Because of the automatic management of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you come home or start your day. You shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat that’s compatible to maintain efficiency.
Use the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to harness the warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds after the sun sets to keep that heat in and block out the nighttime cold.
Add Insulation
If your floors and attic don’t have enough insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, keeping more warmth inside and possibly lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
Maintain Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. In the meantime, replace the air filter roughly every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores airflow and lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to turning them on throughout the house, only turn them on when and where you really need the extra heat. For the best energy savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle Up Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower the thermostat.
Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. When your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Set your fans to turn clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Many electronics still draw power when plugged in, even when switched off. To stop this hidden power drain, disconnect electronics like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off helps keep it from being a hassle.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater accounts for a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
Explore New Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize 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 adapt to your behavior and tweak temperature settings on its own to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Follow these practical tips to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians deliver fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
