Common Sense Tips for Saving Money this Winter
Saving money during the winter doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Some of the best ways to save are easy and affordable fixes that you can do yourself.
Turn it Down: Turning down the heat is likely the one suggestion that will really make you cringe. It’s bad enough it’s cold outside, so who wants to be cold inside? We understand, but the math may convince you otherwise. For every degree you decrease your home over an 8-hour period, you can save about 1 percent on your energy bill each year. To maximize savings, lower the temperature at night, when you aren’t home or when you aren’t using specific parts of the house. To combat the cold, wear layers and heavier clothing. If you spend most of your time in only one room of your home, keep the overall temperature down and use a space heater.
Fix Drafty Windows and Doors: When you have a drafty window, you are literally sending heat out the window. This is costing you major dollars. Fix drafts using inexpensive weatherstripping, caulk, and window insulation to keep the warm air in your house, where it belongs. These small changes can save you 20 percent on your energy costs annually. If you have the money to invest in a large project, consider replacing your windows and doors with more energy efficient models.
Regular HVAC Maintenance: Have a certified technician inspect your HVAC system and perform routine maintenance to ensure your system is functioning properly. This will save you money on your monthly bills, but also in the long run as deferred maintenance begins to take a toll on your system. Contact us for Waverly furnace repair.
Invest in LEDs: The price of LED bulbs continues to come down, but they are still a bit more expensive than fluorescent bulbs. The savings, however, isn’t comparable. LEDs use 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last decades longer than fluorescents. Start by changing the bulbs in the fixtures that you use most often, like the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathrooms.
Use Excess Heat: Take advantage of the heat emitted by your dryer or oven. If possible, leave the door to your laundry room open while you dry a load of laundry. Keep the oven door open a crack after you’re done roasting dinner or baking dessert. The extra heat may not be much, but since you’re generating that heat anyway, it’s worth taking advantage.
