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 smart updates, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to cut energy costs in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Drafty windows and doors are the most common culprits for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or expanding foam to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. 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 useful accessory to manage your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or sleeping. Thanks to the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you make it home or get up in the morning. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% a year. 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, open all the curtains and blinds 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 prevent the nighttime cold.

Supplement Existing Insulation

If your floors and attic aren’t properly insulated, 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 potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further increase energy efficiency.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventive HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Arrange an annual checkup with an HVAC technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter approximately every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep you warm.

Use Space Heaters Appropriately

Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need the extra heat. For maximum savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Bundle Up Inside

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

Upgrade to High Efficiency 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 cut down on costs.

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 slow speed in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This quick and easy change circulates the heat more evenly and lessens heating demand.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many devices continue to consume energy when plugged in, even when turned off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off helps keep it from being a hassle.

Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater

The water heater accounts for a large chunk of your energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.

Explore New Smart Home Technology

Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices 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 learn your HVAC habits and tweak temperature settings on its own to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet

Follow these practical tips to keep your living space cozy this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet all your comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!