How to Reduce Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature falls, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with some simple adjustments, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden chill in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most common culprits for cold air to enter. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air seep out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home can save up to 20% on heating costs.
Program 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 at home, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re not home or sleeping. Thanks to the automatic management of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to fit your comfort before you make it home or get up in the morning. You won’t feel a difference, but you’ll definitely 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 keep efficiency high.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, let in lots of natural light on windows that face south to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings when the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and block out the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, trapping more heat inside and potentially cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further increase energy efficiency.
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 service technician every fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. During the rest of the year, swap out the air filter approximately every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation and reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.
Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to trying to add one in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need the extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Bundle Up Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might 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 ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Adjust your fans to spin clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This simple trick spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and cuts down on additional heating.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many appliances continue to use electricity when plugged in, even when switched off. To stop this hidden power drain, 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 Your Water Heater Temperature
Your water heater is responsible for a large chunk of the monthly energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing hot water for your household.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting improve electricity usage. Not only is it possible to program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system performing well, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians deliver quick and durable fixes to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!
