Are you looking for some winter energy saving tips that will help lower your utility bills? I have four tips that can put more money back in your wallet.
My most expensive electric bill of the year comes every February. After reviewing my previous years’ bills, I decided to seek out ways I can proactively reduce my costs this year. My favorite tips for saving energy in the winter include adjusting the thermostat, updating insulation, and other preventative maintenance efforts.
- Adjust the Thermostat
Image via Flickr by PhotoBobil
Cooling and heating account for 47 percent of the electricity used in most homes. We typically spend more on heating than cooling, by nearly double.
When winter rolls around, you spend a lot on heating your home. You can’t get around that, but you can lower your costs by making sure you don’t turn on the heat too early or too often.
If you keep the temperature at a moderate setting, you’ll find that you save a fortune on your bills. You can save about 3 percent on your heating bill for every degree that you set back your thermostat, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. To stay comfortable, have everyone cover up with a cozy blanket or add an extra layer of clothing.
- Buy a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can keep you from buckling to the temptation of turning up the temperature. This type of thermostat allows you to set temperatures based on your family’s habits and the times you and your family are typically home. You make the decision once, and you never have to think about it again.
If you and your family are out of the house all day for work and school, set the heat to turn on automatically right before everyone wakes up. After the family leaves, the thermostat can lower the temperature for the rest of the day. The same thing can happen before everyone arrives home from school and work. After the family is in bed, they’ll stay warm in their pajamas and under their blankets while the thermostat lowers the temperature to save energy and money.
- Weatherproof Your Home
Many electric companies provide energy audits for your home. This will help identify areas that need service, drafty areas, and spaces that aren’t well insulated. I remember installing plastic over windows, insulating electrical outlets, and placing an insulation blanket over my water heater.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider upgrading your windows to double or triple glazing. This also has the benefit of reducing the level of noise pollution in your home. Also, check your water heater to anticipate the need for repairs or replacement.
- Change Air Filters
One of the winter energy saving tips I got from Bryans United Air Conditioning was to change the air filters for my heating system. Dirty filters cause the unit to be less efficient by restricting airflow and making the unit work harder than necessary. That extra energy translates into higher heating bills.
These are easy ways to save using a few winter energy saving tips. Your thermostat, insulation, and air filters can easily save you hundreds of dollars each year.
These are great tips! we recently just changed out our old thermostat to a new programmable one and wow I notice our electric bill went down a good bit, thanks for sharing this!
These tips are very helpful especially that we have a thermostat at home. 🙂 This article is well-written, and I commend you for doing so. Thank you for this one 🙂
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, particularly in roofs and ceilings, walls and floors.
The insulation present in a filled cavity reduces this heat loss, making the house warmer or reducing the amount of fuel required to maintain a comfortable temperature.