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 some simple adjustments, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re facing a cold snap in the South or months of cold in New England, follow these tips to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Look for and Seal Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most obvious places for cold air to enter. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air seep out. Use insulation strips, sealant or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, make sure 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 manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or sleeping. With the automatic adjustments of programmable 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 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 maintain efficiency.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During the day, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds once the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and prevent the nighttime cold.

Supplement Existing Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls lack sufficient insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, trapping more heat inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further increase energy efficiency.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with a service technician every fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter approximately every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores airflow and reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to trying to add one in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need the extra heat. For even higher efficiency, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Bundle Up Inside

Dressing for the season isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Put on a warm sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It may not seem significant, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.

Upgrade to High Efficiency Appliances

Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.

Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Make sure the fans are set to spin 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 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. Using switchable power strips makes it easy.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater contributes to a significant portion of each month’s energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.

Explore New Smart Home Technology

Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve electricity usage. Not only can you set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and tweak temperature settings on its own to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.

Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs

Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system performing well, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians deliver quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!