How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature falls, the price of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with some simple adjustments, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, make sure to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Properly sealing all the air leaks could save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to manage your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees down when you’re not home or asleep. Because of the programmed scheduling of smart thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to where you like it before you come home or wake up in the morning. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% each year. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to maintain efficiency.

Utilize the Sun’s Free Heat

While the sun is out, pull back drapes and shades on south-facing windows to take advantage of the warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun sets to keep that heat in and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Add More Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, keeping more warmth inside and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home already has some insulation, ensuring you have ENOUGH can further boost your energy savings.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Regular HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which saves money. Plan an annual checkup with an HVAC technician each fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. During the rest of the year, replace the air filter approximately every one to three months. A clean filter restores full air circulation and reduces the energy your system uses to keep your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can offer a fast way to heat, but they’re also costly to run. Instead of turning them on throughout the house, only turn them on when and where you really need extra heat. For maximum savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, some thick socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It might not seem significant, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower the thermostat.

Look for High Efficiency Appliances

Older appliances and HVAC systems use more energy. Once your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Make sure the fans are set to rotate clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This simple trick spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Unplug What Electronics and Devices You Can

Many devices still consume energy when plugged in, even when turned off. To cut down on “phantom” energy use, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Having power strips you can quickly switch off helps keep it from being a hassle.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater accounts for a large chunk of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Lower the temperature to 120 degrees to cut power use while still providing hot water for your household.

Invest in Smart Home Technology

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

Keep Your Home Warm Without High Costs

Try these energy-saving strategies to stay warm and comfortable this winter while cutting energy costs. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians provide quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For Expert service you can trust, contact us today!