How to Reduce Electricity Bills During the Winter

As the temperature gets colder, the price of keeping your home warm can really feel overwhelming. But with the right smart updates, you can keep warm without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap in the South or subzero temperatures in New England, use these methods to reduce your electricity expenses in winter.

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Poorly hung doors and drafty windows are the most obvious places for letting in drafts. Even gaps around pipes and wires can let warm air escape. Use insulation strips, sealing compound or spray foam to block these gaps. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Fully addressing drafts in your home may save up to 20% on heating costs.

Use the Scheduling Feature on Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a good option to reduce your heating bills. Program it for around 68 degrees F when you’re at home, and drop it 7 to 10 degrees below that when you’re gone or asleep. With the automatic adjustments of programmable thermostats, you can have the heat come back up to fit your comfort before you get home or start your day. You won’t notice a change in comfort, but you’ll quickly notice the savings—up to 10% annually. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, be sure to use a thermostat capable of working with these systems to keep efficiency high.

Draw on the Sun’s Free Heat

During daylight hours, open all the curtains and blinds on windows that face south to use the heat and warmth from the sun. Then, draw the curtains after the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside and prevent the nighttime cold.

Put in More Insulation

If your home’s attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, your home is leaking warmth. Adding more insulation reinforces the layer between indoor and outdoor air, trapping more heat inside and possibly cutting your heating expenses by up to 15%. Even if your home is insulated, using better insulation can further boost your energy savings.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance for Your Heating System

Preventive HVAC maintenance ensures your system operates smoothly, which reduces energy costs. Plan an annual checkup with a maintenance 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 your home warm.

Use Space Heaters Sparingly

Space heaters can deliver a quick burst of warmth, but they’re also big energy guzzlers. Instead of trying to add one in every room, use them only when and where you really need them. For the best energy savings, try to select energy-efficient space heaters with thermostats.

Add a Warm Layer 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, a pair of warm socks and grab a blanket. Then, go ahead and lower the temperature by a few degrees. It may not sound like much, but you could save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you turn down your heat.

Seek Out Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated home utilities are much less efficient. When your furnace or water heater is ready for an upgrade, opt for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model to cut down on costs.

Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Heat

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Adjust your fans to turn clockwise on a gentle spin in the winter to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. This small adjustment spreads warmth more evenly throughout the space and lessens heating demand.

Don’t Leave All Electronics Plugged in

Many electronics still use electricity when left connected, even when switched off. To stop this hidden power drain, remove plugs like phone chargers, TVs and gaming consoles when not in use. Using switchable power strips helps keep it from being a hassle.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater accounts for a large chunk of each month’s energy bill, only surpassed by heating and cooling systems. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy while still delivering hot water for your household.

Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology

Advanced smart home technology for thermostats and lighting improve electricity usage. Not only can you schedule temperature adjustments, but you can adjust it remotely. Some can even learn your HVAC habits and adjust the temperature automatically to combine efficiency with comfort.

Keep Your Home Warm Without Draining Your Wallet

Try these energy-saving strategies to enjoy a cozy home this winter while saving on electricity bills. To help keep your heating system in peak shape, rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our Expert technicians provide quick and durable fixes to meet you and your family’s comfort needs. For reliable assistance, contact us today!