How to Reduce Electricity Bills This Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really add up. But with the right simple adjustments, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re experiencing a cold front in the South or blizzards in New England, try these suggestions to cut energy costs in winter.

Seal 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 seep out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or expanding foam to block these gaps. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks 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 awake, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re away or in bed. Thanks to the programmed scheduling of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you make it home or start your day. You shouldn’t feel a difference, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to ensure energy efficiency.

Draw on 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, shut the blinds when the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and prevent the nighttime cold.

Put in More 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 reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, locking in warmth and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.

Maintain Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. During the rest of the year, swap out the air filter on average every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Appropriately

Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. As an alternative to using them in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Bundle Up Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, some thick socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older appliances and HVAC systems use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Make sure the fans are set to rotate clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This quick and easy change improves heat distribution and reduces the need for extra heating.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many devices still use electricity when left connected, even when powered down. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, disconnect electronics like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off makes this tip easier to follow.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater contributes to a major part of each month’s energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still delivering hot water for your household.

Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to schedule temperature adjustments, but you can access it via your phone or tablet. Some can even learn your HVAC habits 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 cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!