How to Save Money on Electricity Bills This Winter
As the temperature falls, the cost of keeping your home warm can really feel overwhelming. But with the right strategic changes, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to cut energy costs in winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to block these gaps. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. 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 manage your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re away or sleeping. Because of the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you get home or wake up in the morning. You won’t feel a difference, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to keep efficiency high.
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 when the sun goes down to keep that heat in and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls don’t have enough insulation, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, using better insulation can further increase energy efficiency.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation and lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.
Use Space Heaters Sparingly
Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also costly to run. As an alternative to trying to add one in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For the best energy savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle 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, pull on fluffy socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.
Look for High Efficiency Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems are much less efficient. When your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.
Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This simple trick circulates the heat more evenly and cuts down on additional heating.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many devices still draw power 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 helps keep it from being a hassle.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
A home’s water heater contributes to a significant portion of each month’s energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use 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 program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can adjust it remotely. 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 Breaking the Bank
Try these energy-saving strategies to stay warm and comfortable this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system performing well, choose Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Our certified technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!
