How to Reduce Your Electricity Bills in Winter
As the temperature gets colder, the cost of keeping your home warm can really pile up. But with a few simple adjustments, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re experiencing a cold front in the South or snowstorms in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.
1. Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat
During daylight hours, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to take advantage of the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, shut the blinds when the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and block out the nighttime cold.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Make sure the fans are set to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to redistribute warm air into the room. This small adjustment circulates the heat more evenly and reduces the need for extra heating.
3. Look for and Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for cold air to enter. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or expanding foam to fill these leaks. Also, remember 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.
4. Make the Most of Smart Home Technology
Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize electricity usage. Not only can you set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even adapt to your behavior and self-adjust for comfort to balance comfort and efficiency.
5. Unplug Unused Electronics
Many devices still draw power when left connected, even when turned off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off makes this tip easier to follow.
6. Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to manage your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re awake, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re not home or asleep. With the automatic management of smart thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you make it home or get up in the morning. You won’t lose any warmth, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to maintain efficiency.
7. Add More Insulation
If your floors and attic don’t have enough insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, trapping more heat inside and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.
8. Bundle Up Inside
Dressing for the season 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 turn down the heat by a few degrees. It might not feel major, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
9. Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Your water heater accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
10. Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can provide a quick burst of warmth, 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 the extra heat. For the best energy savings, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
11. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Appliances
Older heating and cooling systems are much less efficient. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.
12. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System
Routine HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician every fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. Between these visits, change the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow and cuts down on energy usage to keep your home warm.
Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs
Follow these practical tips to enjoy a cozy home this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system performing well, choose Olympic Aire. Our certified technicians offer fast, reliable and long-lasting solutions to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!
