8 Strategies to Cut Winter Energy Costs

The weather outside is terrible. And so is your utility bill. This spring and summer bill shock, however, can be avoided by controlling your energy usage and working to make a few adjustments to your home. We discussed energy conservation in a previous post, and several of the same rules apply to the cold winter months.

Here are 8 money-saving ideas to think about as you snuggle up for the winter:

1. Disconnect appliances

Photo: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Although the rule applies all year, it is especially important to unplug appliances that are not in use during the winter. When computers or electronics are plugged into an outlet, they generate phantom energy. Thus, remove your plugged-in phone from the wall, buy a few power strips, and save electricity!

2. Utilize heat only when needed

Some other way to reduce your energy usage is to heat only when necessary. According to the United States Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees could save you up to 10% per year.

Alter your thermostat throughout the day when you are at work or sleeping. Installing a smart thermostat in your home that you can control with your mobile phone is indeed a remedy. Users can use automation or computer-controlled features to keep the house warm while they are away. This will additionally help you better comprehend and maintain your home’s energy.

If you do not utilize a room often, do not heat it. Why not save money if your guest room or basement is empty during the winter?

3. Maintain airflow

Once you are awake and at home, you must check that your heater is working properly. Check that no furniture or appliances are blocking any vents.

Warm air rises, so set your fans to reverse to return that sneaky warm air to you and your family.

4. Eliminate air leaks

Air leakage is a major cause of high energy bills. Here are some suggestions for reducing leakage:

• a. Caulk the windows to ensure that no warm air escapes through them.
• b. Install weather stripping and door sweeps to keep out the cold air.
• c. Inspect for leaks in the attic and air ducts to reduce energy waste.
• d. At last, you may want to consider getting an energy audit to determine which areas are inefficient.

5. Dress warmly and use blankets to stay warm

Photo: Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash

Warming your body is far more cost-effective than heating your home. Reduce the temperature on the thermostat and compensate by wearing comfortable sweaters and warm clothes around the house. Keep warm at night with a warm blanket, comforter, or duvet.

If you are worried about keeping your pets warm, think about getting them a doggie sweater. Sweatshirts are not suitable for cats. Cats not only dislike clothing, but they also appear to have a natural ability to find the warmest spot in the house.

6. Select LED Lighting for home

Photo: Wall Street Journal

LED lighting is the most energy-efficient option available today. They use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 25 times as long. A standard wall socket can handle 25 strings of holiday LED lights connected end to end.

7. Allow the sun to shine during the day, and draw shades at night

Photo: Healthline

The sun is a fantastic source of free heat, which is why the family cat prefers to nap in sunbeams. By leaving your curtains and blinds open during the day, you are utilizing the greenhouse effect and allowing the sun to naturally heat your home.

Sadly, because windows are not as well insulated as your walls, they can also be a source of heat loss. When the sun goes down, close your curtains and blinds to avoid cold chills from entering your home. To improve the energy efficiency of your windows, consider purchasing insulated curtains.

8. Create a plan

Choosing the appropriate energy plan for your house will give you confidence in the fact that your monthly payment will not surprise you. Many businesses offer a flat rate for services, ensuring consistent costing throughout the season.

If you follow these simple energy-saving tips, you can enjoy an energy-efficient and stress-free winter without being concerned about high electric bills.