Trying to cut costs on our energy bills can be an uphill battle. During the winter months, even more so. It’s going to be even higher if you and the family are home all day.
There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your energy costs lower. Cutting back where you won’t notice and a few precautions can save you quite a nice bundle of money.
7 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill During Winter
Depending on your situation, there are plenty of ways to save money without spending a lot of money.
1. Get an Inspection
Before the winter hits, have an inspection done on your house. This is the best way to know where you are losing money. There are plenty of places where air can get in or out, which means you’re heating the outside.
From the roof to the basement, once you know where the problems are, you can make the necessary repairs or fixes. This will make a difference all year round.
2. Unplug Small Appliances
Some of your smaller appliances continue to draw power even if they are not in use. Things like a coffee maker or toaster oven that have clocks, timers, and keypads that light up are using energy just sitting there.
3. Run Large Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Dishwasher, washer and dryer, or other seldom-used larger appliances should be run at night or early morning. Running them during peak hours will actually cost more, as the strain on the grid is very taxing.
Don’t run these appliances with only a few items or half of a load. Leave them until they are full enough to make it worth the energy. The dishwasher may only need to be run a few times a week.
4. Clean and Change Filters
Keep the filters throughout your HVAC system cleaned and replaced when needed. If they can’t function properly, the whole system becomes faulty. Check your vents, as well, and clean the face cover and clean behind.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Install a new thermostat that is programmable. You can set the temperature for different rooms plus more energy-saving options. You can also control your HVAC system from anywhere with your smartphone.
Set the heating to come on before you get home, keep it low while you are not there, and don’t heat unused or rooms without proper insulation.
6. Seal Windows and Doors
Doors and windows allow a lot of air in and out. But that means you may be losing a lot of heat. Seal your windows and add a second storm window if necessary. Thick plastic will also work.
Keep doors closed to rooms you don’t use and put something under the door to keep the air from moving in or out. A rolled-up towel will work fine.
7. Lights
Replace your old light bulbs with LED lights. They last much longer and use less than half of what your regular bulbs use. Also, use lower wattages where you can.
Turn off lights in rooms when you leave. If you have problems with visibility or just don’t like the dark, get small night lights. They use very little energy yet provide a great deal of light for navigating your way around at night.
Ask The Experts
If you are concerned with high energy consumption, contact the experts at Fusion Electric. They can check your home to find areas where you may be losing energy and still paying for it.
Saving money on your electric bill doesn’t need to be difficult. Ask us how.
