How to Cut Your Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with the right strategic changes, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re experiencing a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.
1. Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During daylight hours, let in lots of natural light on windows that face south to take advantage of the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds after the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and block out the nighttime cold.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This quick and easy change improves heat distribution and reduces the need for extra heating.
3. Find and Close Any Air Leaks
Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealant or foam sealant to block these gaps. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks can save up to 20% on heating costs.
4. Invest in Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting improve electricity usage. Not only is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
5. Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many electronics continue to use electricity when left connected, even when turned off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, unplug devices 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.
6. Use the Scheduling Feature on 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 home during the day, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re gone or asleep. Because of the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you get home or start your day. You shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to maintain efficiency.
7. Add More Insulation
If your home’s attic or walls lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, trapping more heat inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further increase energy efficiency.
8. Bundle Up Inside
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, some thick socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.
9. Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
The water heater is responsible for a major part of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.
10. Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Instead of using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need the extra heat. For the best energy savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
11. Seek Out High-Efficiency Appliances
Outdated home utilities use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
12. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which saves money. Schedule an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. In the meantime, swap out the air filter on average every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores airflow and lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Use these helpful suggestions to stay warm and comfortable this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Environmental Systems Associates. Our certified technicians offer efficient and dependable services to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!
