How to Save Money on Electricity Bills in Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really feel overwhelming. But with a few strategic changes, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Whether you’re experiencing a cold front in the South or blizzards in New England, try these suggestions to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Look for and Seal Air Leaks

Windows and doors with constant drafts are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealing compound or spray foam to seal these spaces. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it. Properly sealing all the air leaks may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Program 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 awake, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re not home or asleep. Thanks to the automatic adjustments 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 shouldn’t lose any warmth, but you’ll quickly 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 model compatible with them to keep efficiency high.

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, shut the blinds once the sun sets to trap that warmth inside and prevent the nighttime cold.

Put in More 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, locking in warmth and potentially lowering heating bills by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further boost your energy savings.

Maintain Your Heating System

Routine HVAC maintenance helps your system perform well, which lowers expenses. Schedule an annual checkup with an HVAC technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. During the rest of the year, replace the air filter around every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also cuts down on energy usage to keep you warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately

Space heaters can provide a fast way to heat, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than trying to add one in every room, only turn them on when and where you really need the extra heat. For maximum savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer Inside

Layering up isn’t the most fun option for lowering your thermostat, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, pull on fluffy socks and grab 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 each degree you drop the temperature.

Seek Out High Efficiency Appliances

Outdated home utilities use more energy. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.

Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Set your fans to spin clockwise on a low setting in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This simple trick improves heat distribution and lessens heating demand.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many electronics still draw power when left connected, even when turned off. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips makes this tip easier to follow.

Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature

A home’s water heater is responsible for a significant portion of your energy bill, right behind your heating costs. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still delivering hot water for your household.

Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting help optimize electricity usage. Not only is it possible to schedule temperature adjustments, but you can control it from anywhere. Some can even automatically recognize your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to balance comfort and efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Breaking the Bank

Follow these practical tips to enjoy a cozy home this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our certified technicians deliver efficient and dependable services to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!