How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re experiencing a cold front in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Find and Close Any Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most likely spots for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air seep out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home may save up to 20% on heating costs.
Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a good option to control your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or sleeping. With the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you make it home or start your day. You shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll quickly 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 model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.
Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
During the day, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to take advantage of the warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings after the sun goes down to hold onto the warmth and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Add More Insulation
If your floors and attic lack sufficient insulation, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, keeping more warmth inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, change the air filter roughly every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores full air circulation while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep you warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can offer a fast way to heat, but they’re also costly to run. Instead of turning them on throughout the house, limit their use to when and where you really need extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Add a Warm Layer Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.
Upgrade to High Efficiency Appliances
Outdated home utilities consume more electricity. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This simple trick circulates the heat more evenly and reduces the need for extra heating.
Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many electronics still draw power when plugged in, even when turned off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes this tip easier to follow.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
A home’s water heater contributes to a large chunk of your energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve 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 adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Try these energy-saving strategies to keep your living space cozy this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system performing well, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians provide quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
