How to Cut Your Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with the right strategic changes, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re experiencing a cold snap in the South or snowstorms in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.
1. Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds when the sun goes down to hold onto the warmth and block out the nighttime cold.
2. Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This small adjustment circulates the heat more evenly and lessens heating demand.
3. Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are the most likely spots for the cold to slip in. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air seep out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or foam sealant to seal these spaces. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Sealing a leaky home could save up to 20% on heating costs.
4. Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize 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 automatically recognize your preferences and tweak temperature settings on its own to combine efficiency with comfort.
5. Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in
Many appliances continue to draw power when plugged in, even when turned off. To stop this hidden power drain, unplug devices 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.
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 awake, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re gone or asleep. Because of the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you come home or get up in the morning. You shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to keep efficiency high.
7. Supplement Existing Insulation
If your floors and attic lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. 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 is insulated, using better insulation can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
8. 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 keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
9. Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature
The water heater contributes to a major part of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still delivering hot water for your household.
10. Use Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, 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 extra heat. For the best energy savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
11. Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances
Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.
12. Maintain Your Heating System
Preventive HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Schedule an annual checkup with a service technician every fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter approximately every one to three months. A new filter restores full air circulation while it also lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Use these helpful suggestions to enjoy a cozy home this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Freedom Heating & Cooling. Our Expert technicians provide fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!
