How to Save Money on Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature drops, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really add up. But with some strategic changes, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, try these suggestions to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most common culprits for the cold to slip in. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air leak out. Use insulation strips, sealing compound 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.

Plan Heating Schedules on the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to reduce your heating bills. Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re not home or in bed. Because of 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 notice a change in comfort, but you’ll certainly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, check that you use a thermostat that’s compatible to ensure energy efficiency.

Use the Sun’s Free Heat

During daylight hours, pull back drapes and shades on south-facing windows to harness the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, close the window coverings once the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Add More Insulation

If your attic, walls or floors aren’t properly insulated, your home is losing heat. 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 increase energy efficiency.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Plan an annual checkup with a maintenance technician every fall to help your system run at its peak all winter. Between these visits, replace the air filter on average every one to three months. A new filter restores full air circulation and cuts down on energy usage to keep you warm.

Use Space Heaters Appropriately

Space heaters can deliver a fast way to heat, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Rather than using them in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Cozy 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, some thick socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you may save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.

Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older heating and cooling systems use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. 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 improves heat distribution and lessens heating demand.

Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in

Many devices continue to draw power when left connected, even when turned off. To stop this hidden power drain, disconnect electronics like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes it easy.

Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater

Your water heater contributes to a major part of each month’s energy bill, right behind your heating costs. 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

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting maximize electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and tweak temperature settings on its own 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 reducing your energy expenses. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians deliver efficient and dependable services to meet all your comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!