Energy costs have continued to rise, and this winter will be no exception. With the cost of gas in particular going up, one way to save money is by reducing your heating costs in the fall and winter. Many of these are easy fixes that could wind up saving you a decent amount of cash. Here are our tips for lowering your energy bill this winter.
- Check insulation. Insulation can make a big difference, especially when it comes to your attic, where heat rises and escapes.
- Install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to change the temperature even when you are not at home. Keep it cooler when you are away and when you are sleeping.
- Open air vents. Open air vents, but only in the rooms you are using. Heating rooms you aren’t using will waste energy.
- Schedule a yearly check-up on your heating system. At least once a year you should check your furnace, clean it, and examine your filters and change them if needed.
- Change water heater temp. Keep your water heater set to 120 degrees—any higher may be unnecessary. You can even purchase a water heater blanket that traps heat in so your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Do full loads of laundry only. Washers and dryers use up a lot of energy so only do a load of laundry if it fills the washer completely.
- Insulate your pipes. To keep your pipes from breaking in the cold winter temperatures and letting warmth escape, insulate them.
- Turn off holiday lights with a timer. Turn off your lights during the day to save electricity and set a timer that does it automatically for you.
- Unplug electronics you’re not using. Your microwave and other small kitchen appliances like toasters and coffee makers can use up a lot of energy even when you aren’t actively using them. Unplug your entertainment systems, chargers, and home office equipment as well.
- Use LED bulbs. Change your lightbulbs to LED, which use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Wear layers and lower the temp. Bundle up with socks and sweaters to stay warm instead of cranking up the heat.
- Place rugs on the floors. Rugs are a comfy and cozy addition to make your cold hard floors feel warmer and more comfortable.
- Let sun in during day and close drapes at night. Take advantage of the heat that sunlight brings. Open your window curtains during the day and then trap the heat in by closing them at night.
- Drapes and window treatments. Ensure your windows are covered with insulating drapes and window treatments to lock in heat.
- Find and seal cracks. Even small cracks can let out a lot of heat. Seal them with caulk or consider getting a door draft stopper for cracks under your outside door.
- Buy a humidifier. Sometimes the problem isn’t just the cold, it’s dry air. Buying a humidifier can make the air feel a little warmer.
- Change your ceiling fan’s direction. In winter, change your ceiling fan to clockwise to circulate warm air around the room.
Try a couple of these tips for best results and you’ll be sure to notice a lower energy bill next month. Keep your heating and cooling systems in good shape by having them regularly maintained by a professional. Call AirTech today to set up an appointment!
