How to Lower Electricity Bills in Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with some smart updates, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re facing a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, follow these tips to cut energy costs in winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows 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 block these gaps. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home could save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to control your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re gone or sleeping. With the automatic management of smart 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 feel a difference, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. 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.

Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat

While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun goes down to keep that heat in and prevent the nighttime cold.

Supplement Existing Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and possibly reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further enhance your home’s heat retention.

Maintain Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which lowers expenses. Plan an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores full air circulation and lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. As an alternative to using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to select 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! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. When your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.

Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Adjust your fans to rotate clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This simple trick circulates the heat more evenly and cuts down on additional heating.

Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can

Many devices continue to 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.

Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater

Your water heater contributes to a significant portion of the monthly energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still meeting your hot water needs for your household.

Explore New Smart Home Technology

Smart thermostats, smart lighting and other energy-saving devices help optimize electricity usage. Not only can you set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to combine efficiency with comfort.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Follow these practical tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!