How to Save Money on 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 draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden chill in the South or blizzards in New England, use these methods to save money on electricity bills in winter.
1. Use the Sun’s Free Heat
While the sun is out, pull back drapes and shades on south-facing windows to harness the natural heat from the sun. Then, close the window coverings once the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and block out the nighttime cold.
2. Use the Winter Setting on Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. Make sure the fans are set to spin clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This small adjustment improves heat distribution and lessens heating demand.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even unsealed wiring and plumbing penetrations can let warm air leak out. Use weatherstripping, sealant or expanding foam to seal these spaces. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Properly sealing all the air leaks can save up to 20% on heating costs.
4. Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs improve electricity usage. Not only is it possible to set your thermostat to fit your routine, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and self-adjust for comfort to combine efficiency with comfort.
5. Unplug Unused Electronics
Many electronics continue to 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 power strips with an off switch makes it easy.
6. Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a good option to reduce your heating bills. Adjust the setting to around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and decrease it 7 to 10 degrees lower when you’re away or in bed. With the automatic adjustments of programmable 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 definitely notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If your home uses a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat that’s compatible to ensure energy efficiency.
7. Add More Insulation
If your floors and attic don’t have enough insulation, your home is losing heat. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home has existing insulation, upgrading to higher-rated materials can further increase energy efficiency.
8. Add a Warm Layer Inside
Layering up isn’t the most fun option for turning down your heat, but every little bit helps! Wear a cozy sweater, pull on fluffy socks and use a blanket. Then, go ahead and turn down the heat by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.
9. Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
Your water heater is responsible for a significant portion of each month’s energy bill, second only to the HVAC. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for your household.
10. Rely on Space Heaters Appropriately
Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Instead of turning them on throughout the house, use them only when and where you really need them. For even higher efficiency, try to look for energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.
11. Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances and HVAC systems are much less efficient. If your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to reduce expenses.
12. Don’t Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System
Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your heating system running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. Arrange an annual checkup with a maintenance technician during the fall to ensure optimal performance all winter. In the meantime, swap out the air filter approximately every one to three months. A new filter restores airflow while it also lowers energy consumption to keep your home warm.
Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet
Follow these practical tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system performing well, choose Wyant Heating & Air. Our certified technicians deliver quick and durable fixes to meet all your comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!
