How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really feel overwhelming. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for cold air to enter. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or foam sealant to block these gaps. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Sealing a leaky home may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Program Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to reduce your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or asleep. With the programmed scheduling of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you make it home or wake up in the morning. You won’t lose any warmth, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to ensure energy efficiency.

Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat

During the day, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to use the warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and block out the nighttime cold.

Put in More Insulation

If your attic, walls or floors don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, locking in warmth and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further boost your energy savings.

Don’t Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC 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 new filter restores full air circulation and reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.

Use Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Rather than turning them on throughout the house, use them only when and where you really need extra heat. For the best energy savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Bundle Up Inside

Dressing for the season isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, pull on fluffy socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.

Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated home utilities use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.

Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Make sure the fans are set to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can

Many devices continue to use electricity when plugged in, even when switched off. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes it easy.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater accounts for a major part of each month’s energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use while still meeting your hot water needs 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 access it via your phone or tablet. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and self-adjust for comfort to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Use these helpful suggestions to enjoy a cozy home this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!