How to Lower Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the cost of keeping your home nice and cozy can really pile up. But with a few strategic changes, you can keep warm without spending a fortune. Whether you’re facing a sudden chill in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, use these methods to save money on electricity bills in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most likely spots for letting in drafts. Even spaces for wiring and plumbing can let warm air escape. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or expanding foam to block these gaps. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Fully addressing drafts in your home may 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. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re home during the day, and reduce it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re away or asleep. 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 get up in the morning. You won’t lose any warmth, but you’ll definitely notice the savings—up to 10% a year. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, make sure to use a thermostat model compatible with them to keep efficiency high.

Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat

While the sun is out, open all the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to harness the warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains when the sun sets to hold onto the warmth and insulate against the nighttime cold.

Supplement Existing Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls lack sufficient insulation, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation acts as a protective barrier, locking in warmth and potentially reducing your heating costs by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.

Don’t Put Off Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventative HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which reduces energy costs. Schedule an annual checkup with a service technician during the fall to keep everything in top shape all winter. During the rest of the year, change the air filter roughly every one to three months. A clean filter restores airflow while it also reduces the energy your system uses to keep you warm.

Rely on Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can offer a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also high-energy consumers. Rather than using them in every room, limit their use to when and where you really need them. For maximum savings, try to stick to energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Cozy Up Inside

Dressing for the season isn’t the most fun option for reducing indoor heating, but every little bit helps! Add a nice, thick sweater, pull on fluffy socks and keep a throw blanket nearby. Then, go ahead and adjust the setting by a few degrees. It may not feel major, but you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down your heat.

Look for High Efficiency Appliances

Outdated home utilities consume more electricity. If your furnace or water heater is due for an upgrade, select an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to lower your bills.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans can help in the winter too. Adjust your fans to spin clockwise on a slow speed in the winter to circulate heat downward into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many appliances still draw power when plugged in, even when turned off. To reduce this unnecessary energy consumption, unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips helps keep it from being a hassle.

Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater

Your water heater accounts for a large chunk of your 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.

Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology

Innovative smart devices like smart thermostats and light bulbs help optimize electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even adapt to your behavior and tweak temperature settings on its own to maximize savings without sacrificing warmth.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet

Use these helpful suggestions to keep your living space cozy this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system running smoothly, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians deliver quick and durable fixes to meet everyone’s comfort needs. For quality care, contact us today!