How to Reduce 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 breaking the bank. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden chill in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or spray foam to fill these leaks. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Sealing a leaky home could save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to reduce your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re gone or asleep. With the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to fit your comfort before you come home or wake up in the morning. You shouldn’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During the day, pull back drapes and shades on south-facing windows to harness the warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to keep that heat in and block out the nighttime cold.

Put in More Insulation

If your floors and attic aren’t properly insulated, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, keeping more warmth inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further enhance your home’s heat retention.

Don’t Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventative HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow and lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Appropriately

Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Rather than trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Bundle Up Inside

Wearing the right clothing isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you drop the temperature.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older appliances and HVAC systems are much less efficient. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, choose 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 turn clockwise on a low setting in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This simple trick spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and reduces the need for extra heating.

Unplug Unused Electronics

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

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

The water heater accounts for a large chunk of the monthly 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.

Invest in Smart Home Technology

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting help optimize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to program a smart thermostat based on your schedule, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs

Try these energy-saving strategies to enjoy a cozy home this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system performing well, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!