How to Lower Electricity Bills This Winter

As the temperature drops, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really feel overwhelming. But with some smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold front in the South or subzero temperatures 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 common culprits for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealant or expanding foam to seal these spaces. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Properly sealing all the air leaks may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or in bed. With the automatic management of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you get home or get up in the morning. You shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to ensure energy efficiency.

Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat

During daylight hours, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to harness the natural heat from the sun. Then, shut the blinds once the sun sets to keep that heat in and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Add Insulation

If your floors and attic don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, using better insulation can further enhance your home’s heat retention.

Maintain Your Heating System

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. During the rest of the year, replace the air filter approximately every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.

Use Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. As an alternative to turning them on throughout the house, use them only when and where you really need them. For the best energy savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.

Look for Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.

Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Make sure the fans are set to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This simple trick spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and cuts down on additional heating.

Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can

Many appliances still consume energy when plugged in, even when turned off. To stop this hidden power drain, 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.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

The water heater is responsible for a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.

Explore New Smart Home Technology

Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs help optimize electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even adapt to your behavior and tweak temperature settings on its own to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians deliver efficient and dependable services to meet all your comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!