The cold season brings a bunch of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Alliance families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces in Alliance came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program your thermostat to lower heating output at times when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is used when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and reduce the temperature to 55-65 degrees at times when you’re away at work, out of town or sleeping to achieve lower utility bills.
2. Make sure you only wash when you have full loads.
Hold on doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, don’t forget: cleaning out the lint trap after every load can save you up to $34 a year, according to PG&E.
3. Conduct a home energy audit.
A home energy audit can help you determine the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can show you how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in Alliance.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money a year on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current furnace. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces in Alliance a call at 308-321-4703.