How to Save Money on Electricity Bills This Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with some simple adjustments, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold front in the South or blizzards in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Drafty windows and doors are the most obvious places for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air escape. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to seal these spaces. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Program Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re not home or asleep. Because of the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you make it 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% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to keep efficiency high.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During the day, let in lots of natural light on south-facing windows to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun goes down to keep that heat in and block out the nighttime cold.

Put in More Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls 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, keeping more warmth inside and potentially cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further enhance your home’s heat retention.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which lowers expenses. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. In the meantime, change the air filter around every one to three months. A new filter restores full air circulation and lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, 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 even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer 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 grab a blanket. 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 each degree you lower the thermostat.

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, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This quick and easy change improves heat distribution and reduces the need for extra heating.

Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in

Many electronics still use electricity when left connected, 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 makes it easy.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

The water heater accounts for a major part of each month’s energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to cut power use while still delivering hot water for your household.

Make the Most of Smart Home Technology

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and self-adjust for comfort to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Try these energy-saving strategies to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians deliver efficient and dependable services to meet all your comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!