Contrary to what some people believe, it is possible to enjoy warm indoor air in the winter while saving on energy bills at the same time. You don’t have to choose between comfort and saving, as these two aspects aren’t mutually exclusive when it comes to the chilly winter months.
Winter brings a season of crisp, cool air and festive holidays, but that also comes with a great threat to your wallet with a spike in heating bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating bills amount to 29% of your annual energy bills. This cost is higher than most systems in your house.
The cold in winter is rather harsh, and making small adjustments such as opening your curtains, closing all vents, and drawing on your curtains at night can help you save up to 10% on heating costs. Let’s check out the eight common ways to save energy this winter.
1. Open the Curtains to Use the Heat From the Sun
During the day, the sun generates heat, which can help you warm your house modestly instead of using the heating system. Open the blinds and curtains for that natural warmth to get into your home and heat the indoor air.
Check the direction of the morning sun versus the position of the curtains and blinds in your house so that you can take full advantage of this natural heat. This means that you would not need to turn on the thermostat on a sunny morning.
2. Cover Windows at Night
While windows allow warmth and natural light to enter your house during the day, the reverse is true at night. The warm air will disappear outside during the night through the windows. Close your blinds and curtains at night to avoid losing the heated air.
Most of our windows lack insulation, which means that they allow about 25% of the heat from our interior air to escape at night. Close those curtains and blinds, and allow them to insulate your home against heat loss.
3. Close and Seal Windows and Doors
If you leave cracked windows and doors unattended during the winter, you will be heating outdoors, and that will be super expensive. Look out for drafty doorframes or windows, and consider using a plastic sheet to stop the draft by sealing around the windows and doors. You can also weather-strip them for more insulation or use insulating curtains.
Before the onset of winter, schedule maintenance with a weather-stripping technician who will inspect your house for drafts. The visit could be convenient and cost-effective compared to the hefty energy bills that you will incur if you constantly lose energy to outdoor air.
4. Lower the Temperatures
You can lower the temperatures in your home by a few degrees without compromising your comfort, which will help you lower the heating energy. We would recommend turning your thermostat just a few degrees lower than usual.
You can also save a significant amount of money by setting your water heater to a lower temperature. This energy-saving method not only lowers your bills but also ensures a safer environment. It’s worth noting that heating water is the second-highest energy-consuming activity in most households, making this an efficient and effective way to reduce energy costs.
5. Routine Maintenance of Your HVAC System
Performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system will ensure that it is running efficiently and all its components are performing optimally. Contact a professional to check your system and ensure that the filters are changed regularly.
Clean filters will reduce energy costs by ensuring that the system runs smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Regularly changing your filters can save you up to 15% on your energy bills. So, make sure to change those filters regularly to consistently save energy in the long run.
6. Switch to LED Lights
LED lights have a higher initial cost compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. Despite the initial investment, however, LED lights offer significant long-term benefits. In fact, they have a lifespan that is 25 times longer than old incandescent bulbs, resulting in fewer replacements and overall cost savings. Additionally, they consume 75% less energy, leading to reduced electricity bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
LED lights are versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor lighting purposes. They can be used for decorative and functional lighting and are available in a variety of styles for a range of applications.
7. Bundle up in Extra-Warm Clothing
Winters can be chilly, with freezing temperatures. When our bodies perceive those extremely low temperatures, we want to reach out to the thermostat and raise the heat a bit. Before adjusting the thermostat, try warming up with clothes to stimulate your body’s heating process.
It is more cost-effective to allow our bodies to heat through a layer of warm clothing than to raise the heating temperatures. Get cozy in some socks, warm bottoms, a sweater, and a beanie to avoid losing heat through your head. While enjoying your leisure activities, such as reading, surfing the internet, or watching television, burrow in a blanket and keep warm. Use a thick comforter or blanket at night to keep you warm as you sleep.
8. Get a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to use technology to reduce your heating bills. These thermostats can regulate the temperatures in your house based on the heating needs at that particular moment. For instance, if you are not at home and nobody needs the heating, the thermostat will regulate itself to lower temperatures, hence using less energy.
You can also program these thermostats using your phone. This allows you to set your program on the thermostat throughout the week. Set the time when you get home and the temperature you want at that time. When you are at work, keep the temperatures cooler. You can also set moderate temperatures for times when you are watching TV and snuggling in a comforter.
By adjusting temperatures based on usage patterns and your set schedule, a smart thermostat can help you save significantly on your home’s energy bills. While these units are more expensive than your standard thermostat, the savings they provide help pay for themselves over time.
Take Action and Save on Energy Bills
You do not have to pay hefty utility bills to enjoy a warm indoor environment during the winter. Enjoy the colder months with peace of mind knowing that you have taken a step in the right direction toward long-term energy savings. Allow our team of dedicated professionals at Potts Electric to advise you on how to insulate your home and recommend smart energy-saving tips. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and attend to your needs in Ellisville and surrounding areas.
In addition to providing energy-saving upgrades, we offer a full range of electrical services and solutions, including car chargers, smart home systems, generators, new construction installations, wiring upgrades, and electrical panel installation and repair for residential and commercial clients. Contact Potts Electric today for more information.
