Home Energy Savings: How You Can Save Money on Your Utility Bills This Winter
Monday, November 13, 2017, 12:00 PM | Leave Comment
Every homeowner knows what to expect as winter sets in. The temperature gets lower and lower. Utility bills go up and up.
There’s nothing you can do to prevent higher utility bills in the winter unless you are willing to leave the heat turned off.
However, there is a lot you can do to save on winter utility bills.
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Be Smart with Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature during the day. When you are asleep or gone somewhere, lower the temperature 10 to 15 degrees. This can cut utility bills by 10 percent. To make things easier, invest in a programmable thermostat. These “smart” devices can be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically.
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The Sun Is Free Heat
The sun is a great heat source even in the dead of winter. Open drapes and curtains on the southern side of your house during the day. Close them at night to maximize insulation.
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Manage Your Water Heater
Wrap your water heater in insulation to cut heat loss. In addition, lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. This not only saves on energy costs, it lowers the risk of being scalded by excessively hot water.
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Plug Those Leaks
Gaps and cracks are a major source of heat losses. Inspect your home and plug these leaks. Common problem areas are around pipes, chimneys, electrical outlets and light fixtures. Gaps around windows and doors also waste heat and money. Install weather-stripping to seal gaps in window and door frames.
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Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans usually feature a switch that reverses their spin. Using this feature will cause a ceiling fan to push warm air that is trapped near a ceiling downward. The effect is to keep the part of the room that you occupy warmer. If you don’t already have reversible ceiling fans, you will find them at building supply stores.
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Have Your Heating System Serviced
If you want to save money on utilities this winter, it is essential that your heating system be properly maintained. A fall inspection and tune up will improve efficiency. It will also reduce the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs.
According to Winters Heating & Cooling, a good option for homeowners is an Energy Savers Agreement. HVAC service companies offer these contracts. Your heating system will be serviced each fall. Air conditioning systems are serviced each spring.
Saving money on utilities this winter isn’t rocket science. It just takes a little work and planning. You’ll end up being more comfortable in the bargain because fewer drafts and more efficient heating means better temperature control.
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