How to Save Money on Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap in the South or snowstorms in New England, use these methods to save money on electricity bills in winter.
1. Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings when the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Set your fans to turn clockwise on a low setting in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This quick and easy change circulates the heat more evenly and lessens heating demand.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealant or foam sealant to block these gaps. Also, don’t forget 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.
4. Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
5. Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can
Many appliances still consume energy when plugged in, even when switched off. To stop this hidden power drain, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips helps keep it from being a hassle.
6. Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to control 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 not home or asleep. Thanks to the programmed scheduling of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you make it home or start your day. You shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to ensure energy efficiency.
7. Add Insulation
If your floors and attic lack sufficient 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, using better insulation can further enhance your home’s heat retention.
8. Bundle Up Inside
Dressing for the season isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.
9. Adjust the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater accounts for a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
10. Use Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. Instead of using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For the best energy savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
11. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.
12. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Schedule an annual checkup with an HVAC technician every fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter roughly every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Use these helpful suggestions to enjoy a cozy home this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Crawford Services. Our Expert technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!
