Winter Energy Saving Tips

Don’t Let Winter Cost You More

Detecting the cause behind increased energy costs during the winter months can be frustrating. After all, if you have an A/C unit, you were likely using you’re A/C as frequently as you are your heating system. Still, the truth remains that various factors contribute to higher energy bills; factors that (individually, may be overlooked) have the totalizing effect of crippling your bank account.

Coming up with an energy saving strategy can have the immediate effect of reducing your bill and help you with your savings in the long run. This article will give you a few tips and tricks on how to lessen the amount of energy consumed daily in your household.

Setting the Furnace Thermostat:

Adjust your home heating system to a comfortable temperature when indoors and readjust down to a cooler temperature when out. For example, if using a furnace thermostat, set it to 68 degrees or below. 5% more energy is used for every degree above 68°C that your furnace thermostat is set to. Likewise, setting your furnace thermostat down to 56° F while it is not in use can save you five to 15% annually on your energy bill. If possible, invest in a programmable thermostat to remotely control temperature adjustments in your home.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Lint Trap:

Repetitive laundry cycles is reason enough to forget to clean the lint trap. But performing this quick and simple task can save you up to $34 dollars annually and can prevent fires.

Clean all Furnace Filters:

Cleaning your furnace filter not only encourages air flow and improves air quality, but can also save you up to 5% annually. Filters clogged with dirt and grime degrades the quality of circulating air and increases energy use.

Seal up Leaks:

Leaks and cracks through which heat can escape may cause your heater to work harder as it overcompensates. Seals can leak around windows, doors, pipes, vents, and any other small spaces around the house. Seal up all gaps between the pipes / vents and the walls. A double-paned glass window is an important investment for use to contain circulating warm air with in your home. Also, make sure to always close your windows and doors to trap in heat and, consequently, trap out cold.

Adjust Water Temperature:

Your hot water temperature should be set to the “normal” setting or 120° F. This could save you 7% to 11% on hot water heating costs. You can also save another $30 annually if you wash your clothes in cold water.

Efficient Use of Your Dryer:

Avoid over drying your clothes. If possible, invest in an energy-saving dryer with moist-sensor recognition capabilities. This enables your machine to automatically turn off when the clothes dry, and could possibly cut down your energy use and save you money in the long run. Inefficiently running your dryer may cost you $34 annually.

Cut Down on Use of Water Heating Appliances:

If heating a small volume of water, opt for the use of a microwave as opposed to an electric kettle or an electric stove top. More energy is applied to heat the kettle and the water inside it when using an electric kettle. In contrast, microwaves are designed to heat only the contents inside your bowls. Utilizing a microwave as opposed to a burner or an oven may save you up to 80% on cooking energy.

Additionally, cut your shower time in half to avoid extended use of your hot water heater. This could save you up to 33% on your hot water heating costs. Consider investing in high-efficiency shower heads and faucet aerators to cut back 16% on water heating cost.