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 some smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re facing a cold snap in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to cut energy costs in winter.

Look for and Seal Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most likely spots for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or foam sealant to block these gaps. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Properly sealing all the air leaks can save up to 20% on heating costs.

Plan Heating Schedules on the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to manage your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or sleeping. With the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you come home or start your day. You shouldn’t feel a difference, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to keep efficiency high.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During the day, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to take advantage of the warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and block out the nighttime cold.

Add Insulation

If your attic, walls or floors aren’t properly insulated, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further enhance your home’s heat retention.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventative HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep you warm.

Use Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to using them in every room, use them only when and where you really need extra heat. For maximum savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer 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, a pair of warm socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated home utilities consume more electricity. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many electronics still use electricity when plugged in, even when powered down. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using power strips with an off switch makes this tip easier to follow.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater contributes to a major part of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy while still delivering hot water for your household.

Invest in Smart Home Technology

Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices help optimize electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and self-adjust for comfort to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs

Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet all your comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!