How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really feel overwhelming. But with the right strategic changes, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re experiencing a cold snap in the South or snowstorms in New England, follow these tips to cut energy costs in winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Drafty windows and doors are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air escape. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or foam sealant to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Sealing a leaky home can save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on 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 at home, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re away or asleep. Thanks to the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you come home or get up in the morning. You shouldn’t feel a difference, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to maintain efficiency.

Draw on 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, close the window coverings after the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Add Insulation

If your floors and attic lack sufficient insulation, your home is letting a lot of heat get out. 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 boost your energy savings.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with a service technician each fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. In the meantime, swap out the air filter roughly every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. Rather than trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Cozy Up Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, some thick socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower the thermostat.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Set your fans to spin clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This quick and easy change spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many devices still draw power when plugged in, even when switched off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes this tip easier to follow.

Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater

A home’s water heater accounts for a large chunk of the monthly energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing hot water for your household.

Make the Most of Smart Home Technology

Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve 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 adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Follow these practical tips to keep your living space cozy this winter while reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!