How to Lower Electricity Bills This Winter

As the temperature drops, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold front in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most common culprits for letting in drafts. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing 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. Fully addressing drafts in your home may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Program Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to manage your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re gone or asleep. With the automatic adjustments of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you get home or wake up in the morning. You won’t feel a difference, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to maintain efficiency.

Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat

During daylight hours, pull back drapes and shades on windows that face south to take advantage of the natural heat from the sun. Then, close the window coverings after the sun sets to keep that heat in and prevent the nighttime cold.

Put in More Insulation

If your attic, walls or floors lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, trapping more heat inside and potentially reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with an HVAC technician every fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. During the rest of the year, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores full air circulation while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can offer a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Rather than turning them on throughout the house, only turn them on when and where you really need extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Adjust your fans to spin clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in

Many electronics still consume energy when plugged in, even when powered down. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, disconnect electronics like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off makes it easy.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater accounts for a major part of your energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still providing 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 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 adjust the temperature automatically to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Follow these practical tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!