How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature falls, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with a few strategic changes, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re facing a cold front in the South or months of cold in New England, try these suggestions to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for the cold to slip in. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Fully addressing drafts in your home can save up to 20% on heating costs.

Plan Heating Schedules on the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a useful accessory to control your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re gone or asleep. Because of the programmed scheduling of programmable thermostats, you can set a comfortable temperature to where you like it before you come home or start your day. You shouldn’t feel a difference, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat model compatible with them to ensure energy efficiency.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During daylight hours, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to use the natural heat from the sun. Then, close the window coverings once the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Supplement Existing Insulation

If your floors and attic lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with a service technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. Between these visits, swap out the air filter around every one to three months. A fresh air filter restores full air circulation while it also lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also costly to run. As an alternative to trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need extra heat. For maximum savings, try to stick to 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! Add a nice, thick sweater, pull on fluffy socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It might not feel major, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.

Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances

Older appliances and HVAC systems consume more electricity. Once your furnace or water heater is ready 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 can help in the winter too. Set your fans to spin clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This quick and easy change circulates the heat more evenly and lessens heating demand.

Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can

Many appliances still use electricity when left connected, 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.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

The water heater is responsible for a large chunk of the monthly energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Set the temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still delivering hot water for your household.

Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology

Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and tweak temperature settings on its own to combine efficiency with comfort.

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 performing well, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians offer quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!