For many homeowners, winter means lower temperatures, shorter days—and the fear of skyrocketing electricity bills. Energy usage is at its peak this time of year as heating systems work overtime to keep our homes warm and comfortable. The result? Higher utility costs.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to conserve energy without compromising comfort. In this blog, we provide practical tips to help keep your electric bill low in winter, so you can stay warm without breaking the bank.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Outdated, inefficient, or malfunctioning HVAC systems can lead to energy waste and higher electric costs. Scheduling any necessary maintenance or repairs with a qualified technician can fix these issues to ensure your HVAC is effective and efficient, lowering costly energy waste.
Check the Insulation of Your Home
Home insulation refers to specific materials and methods that reduce the flow of thermal energy throughout your house. In the winter, home insulation keeps warm air in and cold air out, and it’s crucial for reducing your energy consumption.
Poor insulation allows heat to escape the home, which makes it difficult to keep things warm—even when heating systems are turned on. This wastes energy, contributes to higher electric bills, and lowers the overall temperature of your home.
These simple steps can help boost your home’s current heat insulation:
- Locate drafts: Walk around your home and check for drafts around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures.
- Seal gaps: To keep warm air inside, use caulk to seal small cracks and gaps, and self-sticking weatherstripping for moving areas like doors and windows.
- Check your attic: The attic is a common place for air leaks that are often overlooked, so make sure to check your attic hatch. If you find any drafts, weatherstripping, or pre-made attic stairway covers can be effective solutions.
Close Your Chimney Damper When Not Using Fireplace
If you have a traditional fireplace with a chimney, this can be a source of heat loss. Warm air can escape through the flue, so make sure to keep your chimney damper closed when your fireplace isn’t in use. This prevents heat from escaping your home, so you can stay comfortable without wasting energy on overheating the house.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option for illuminating your home. They are brighter, last longer, and consume less energy than outdated light bulbs. In fact, incandescent or halogen bulbs are now banned in California.
Making the switch to LED lighting this winter can lower your overall energy consumption and cut your utility costs year-round.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
Space heaters are quick and simple solutions for heating your home in the winter. However, they are not very practical for heating large open rooms. Consider using space heaters in smaller spaces to ensure energy isn’t being wasted.
Switch a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically controls the temperature in your home. You can easily program them to set your house to certain temperatures at specific times of the day or at certain temperatures. You can also turn HVAC systems on or off remotely when you’re not home and so much more.
Programming a smart thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re not home or while the household is asleep, can help lower energy costs in winter, without sacrificing comfort. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are the best option for most homes and offer the most energy efficiency1.
Dress Warmly and Use Warm Bedding
While this may seem like a given, any steps you can take toward feeling warm in the winter without relying on heating systems save energy. Wearing warm clothing indoors and using extra blankets can help you stay comfortable without needing to raise the thermostat—a small adjustment that can result in significant energy savings in the long run.
Put Holiday Lights on a Timer
Keeping your holiday lights on all day and all night is an obvious waste of energy. Put your holiday lights and other electronic decor on a timer will automatically turn them on and off according to your settings. This is a great way to lower electricity usage and reduce your overall utility costs throughout the winter and holiday season.
Schedule a Home Electrical Inspection
You should have an electrical inspection for your home every 3-5 years to maintain safety and efficiency. However, if you are concerned about your energy costs, a home electrical inspection can identify and fix anything in your electrical setup that could be driving up usage.
Our Electricians are Here to Help Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
No one likes utility bill surprises. By taking steps to optimize your home’s energy efficiency this winter, you can reduce electricity costs without compromising comfort.
For years, Schafer Electric has been providing North Bay residents with top-quality residential electrical services. Our team of expert residential electricians is here to help you find the most cost-effective and efficient solutions for your electrical needs, all year long. To learn more about our services, contact us online today or give us a call at (707) 545-3300.
References
- How to choose a smart thermostat. (n.d.). ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/how-choose-smart-thermostat