Winter is almost here. That means it’s going to start getting cold outside. As the temp drops, you might begin to notice an increase in your energy bill each month. After all, your furnace will start working harder to keep your home warm and cozy.
Fortunately, it’s possible to reduce your winter energy bill by learning how to save money on electricity.
This article is full of great tips to help you lower your power bill. Keep reading to learn quick and easy ways to save money as Mother Nasty brings on chilly weather.
Open Your Window Blinds
This tip might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s a great way to help warm your house without spending a dime. After all, plenty of nice warm sunshine is outside just waiting to make your rooms a little more toasty.
Keeping your blinds open during the day not only lets outside warmth in, but the sunlight is also great for improving mood.
So open those blinds and feel the sunlight on your face, breathe in the healthy rays, and let your smile shine.
Check Doors and Windows for Leaks
Here is a basic tip that many people fail to consider. Your doors and windows are your primary defense against cold outside temperatures. If you’ve ever stood beside a drafty door or window, you know exactly what we are talking about.
There’s nothing worse than a cold draft. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions for taking care of this problem.
The first step is to check each of your doors and windows and identify which ones are drafty. Next, inspect for the exact areas where the draft is coming in. Once you’ve isolated the problem spots, remove the old weather stripping and replace with brand new weather stripping that will better insulate the interior of your home against leaks.
This is an inexpensive way to make sure that cold air stays outside, and your warm air stays inside. You’ll be amazed at the difference this one simple tip can have on your energy bill.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
The thermostat in your home is probably something you rarely think about. And yet this is an item you need to pay attention to, especially if you notice a rising energy bill.
Thermostats break just like any other device. That’s why we recommend upgrading to a digital thermostat that will give you more control over the interior environment in your home.
Quality digital thermostats are available for a modest price at any home improvement store, and this is an investment that will pay for itself many times over for years to come.
Take Shorter Showers
Another easy way to save money on your energy bill is to simply take shorter showers. When each member of the family cuts their time in the shower by even a few minutes, this will help save hundreds of gallons of hot water every month.
These tips will not only save money on your energy costs, but it will also reduce the amount of water you waste, which is great for the environment.
Thus we recommend lathering up and rinsing offers as quickly as possible so that you can then cut back on water usage while getting the same results. This is a small change with a huge environmental impact.
Replace Your Air Filters
Replacing the air filter in your furnace, heat pump, or HVAC unit is crucial for helping your heating system run efficiently. Fortunately, quality air filters are relatively inexpensive, and replacing them is a simple task anyone can do.
Most heating/cooling experts recommend replacing your air filters every couple of months. This will help your system heat and cool your home more effectively, thus helping save money on your energy bill.
Upgrade Your Old Windows
Windows aren’t designed to last forever. The materials get old and break down as they take decades of abuse from harsh weather conditions.
Thus windows eventually need to be replaced in order to maximize your ability to effectively heat and cool your home.
Upgrading your windows to modern energy-efficient models will contribute to savings on your monthly energy bill, while also keeping your home nice and toasty in the winter and cool in the summer.
Turn Down Your Water Heater
Here’s another tip that only takes a few minutes, yet it will help trim a few dollars from your heating bill. Simply take a moment to turn down the temp on your water heater.
You can also have a trained heating/cooling professional like Mountain City Electric do this during their annual visit to your home.
Get in the Habit of Turning Off Lights
Are you the type of person who likes to turn on every light in the house at once? Here’s a news flash: stop doing that!
Leaving lights on in empty rooms is a terrible habit. You are literally wasting energy for no reason.
Get in the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room. This only tasks a second, and will result in major savings on your energy bill.
Switch to LED Lightbulbs
Take a look at the lightbulbs in every room of your house. Are they traditional bulbs or new energy-efficient bulbs. Swapping out old bulbs for the LED variety is smart and environmentally friendly.
You might spend up a bit more upfront, but you’ll save a ton of cash in the long run because LEDs last longer and use far less energy.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
And finally, remember to wash your clothes in cold water. Again, this tip might not seem like a big deal, and yet choosing to not use hot water for laundry can help save a few more dollars on your heating bill.
Simple Yet Effective Tips for How to Save Money on Electricity
When it comes to your monthly energy bill, every dollar matters. That’s why learning these tips on how to save money on electricity is so important.
Keep scrolling to see more great real estate tips and advice.
