Many homeowners start to get nervous when cooler weather starts to set in. Thinking about the rising heat bills is stressful, especially if you have holiday shopping to do. But don’t panic just yet: there are plenty of simple actions that can result in major savings! If you follow these 6 tips below, you’re likely to see a positive change in your energy bill.
- Use natural light when you can. Since days are shorter in the wintertime, there are fewer daylight hours. Instead of turning on all the lights for the entire day, take advantage of sunlight if you’re at home. It’s free! Plus, opening the curtains and blinds not only provides light, but the passive solar heat given off by the sun warms up the room. If you close the doors to each room, you can trap the heat even better.
- Properly insulate your home. A great deal of heat is lost through inadequately insulated attics, unsealed windows and doors. While a professional can help you get your attic insulated, there are many DIY options for sealing drafty windows. At almost any hardware store you’ll find self-adhesive weather stripping and window insulator kits that come with clear plastic material to seal edges. Place fabric draft stoppers at the foot of any door that leads outside to block drafts even better.
- Lower your thermostat when possible. Dialing the thermostat back a few degrees when you’re asleep or at work can help you keep energy costs down. You don’t need the house to be toasty when no one is home, and you can always add an extra blanket to your bed at night.
- Unplug what you’re not using. You may hear this tip a lot, but that’s because it’s tried and true. Even when you turn off electronics and appliances, they still pull energy from the wall when they’re plugged in. These tiny doses add up. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over $10 billion worth of energy is used up every year by idle devices. Take the extra moment to unplug and save big.
- Decorate wisely. If holiday lights are a tradition in your family, there’s no need to forgo them altogether in order to save money. But by switching to LED holiday lights, you can reduce your energy usage up to 80 to 90%. Another tip: set a limit on lights. For instance, they don’t need to be turned on during the day when no one can see them and probably don’t need to be shining past 10:30pm on weekdays.
- Wear layers. If you insist on walking around in shorts and a t-shirt all winter when you’re indoors, you’re going to need to really crank the heat up which means high bills. Opt for wearing socks and a sweatshirt and grab a blanket if you’re still chilly.
Now that you’re prepped for a cozy but low-cost winter, relax and enjoy the season! If you need help installing any new energy-efficient lighting in your home or business, Bryant Electric Service is here to assist you.
