How to Save Money on Electricity Bills During the Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with some strategic changes, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you鈥檙e dealing with a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.
Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most obvious places for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, don鈥檛 forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren鈥檛 using it. Sealing a leaky home can save on heating costs.
Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you鈥檙e awake, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you鈥檙e away or asleep. Thanks to the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to fit your comfort before you come home or wake up in the morning. You shouldn鈥檛 notice a change in comfort, but you鈥檒l definitely notice the savings鈥 each year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to maintain efficiency.
Draw on the Sun鈥檚 Free Heat
During the day, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to take advantage of the natural heat from the sun. Then, close the window coverings after the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.
Supplement Existing Insulation
If your attic, walls or floors aren鈥檛 properly insulated, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, trapping more heat inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.
Don鈥檛 Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, 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 around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.
Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, but they鈥檙e also big energy guzzlers. Rather than using them in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need the extra heat. For maximum savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
Cozy Up Inside
Dressing for the season isn鈥檛 the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you may save on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.
Look for High Efficiency Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems consume more electricity. Once your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR庐-certified model to lower your bills.
Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren鈥檛 just for cooling off in the summer. Set your fans to spin clockwise on a low setting 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鈥檛 Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many electronics continue to draw power when plugged in, even when turned off. 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 makes this tip easier to follow.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
The water heater is responsible for a large chunk of each month鈥檚 energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices help optimize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Follow these practical tips to enjoy a cozy home this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, turn to 成人抖阴 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians deliver fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
