The winter season is known for its short days and chilling breezes. This time of year can be particularly challenging for our bills due to the high demand for energy. The chilly weather means we have to spend more energy to heat our homes, and shorter days mean we use more electricity for lighting.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can save energy and money on your home this winter. Here are 12 tips to get you started:
1. Install a programmable thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can help you maintain an appropriate temperature in your home without having to adjust the controls yourself constantly. This can also be set up to lower the temperature while you are away, so you don’t have to waste energy unnecessarily.
2. Seal air leaks
Windows are the eyes of the home, but they can also be giant energy suckers in the winter. To keep your home cozy and your energy bills low, it’s important to check for air leaks around windows and doors.
A quick way to do this is to hold a candle near the edge of the window or door. If you see the flame flicker or feel a draft, this indicates an air leak. Once you’ve identified the leaks, you can seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
This relatively easy and inexpensive fix can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. So don’t wait – get started on sealing those air leaks today!
3. Invest in insulation
Winter is on its way, which means it’s time to start thinking about insulating your house. There are a number of ways to insulate your homes, such as double glazing or loft insulation, and each has its own advantages.
Double glazing is a great way to keep heat in, as it essentially creates an extra layer of protection against the cold. Loft insulation is another excellent option, as it helps to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. Both options will reduce your need for heating and, therefore, the associated costs. So if you want to save money this winter, invest in insulation.
4. Change furnace filters regularly
As the weather gets colder, we start to rely on our furnaces to keep our homes warm. But did you know that regularly changing your furnace filter can actually help save energy and lower your heating bill?
Furnace filters trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home. Over time, however, these filters become clogged, which makes your furnace work harder to circulate air.
Therefore, changing your filter can help improve airflow and make your furnace run more efficiently. If you want to save energy and stay comfortable this winter, change your furnace filter as often as recommended. Your wallet will thank you for it.
5. Lower your water heater’s temperature
Did you know that you can save money on your energy bills simply by turning down the thermostat on your water heater? In fact, lowering the temperature on your water heater can save up to 10% on energy costs each month. The reason is that, during the winter, the ambient temperature in your home is generally lower than in the summer. As a result, you don’t need to heat your water as high to maintain a comfortable temperature.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to reduce your energy costs this winter, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, you may be surprised at how much money you can save.
6. Use cold water for laundry instead of hot
As the winter months roll in, we all start to think about ways to save money and energy. One way to do both is to switch your laundry habits from washing in hot water to washing in the cold. That’s right, cold water! Washing clothes in cold water will help save energy and be gentler on fabrics and colors compared to washing with warm water. Plus, it’s an easy switch – simply turn the dial on your washing machine from hot to cold, and you’re good to go. So why not give it a try this winter and see for yourself how much energy (and money) you can save?
7. Unplug unused electronics
As the weather gets colder, we all start to think about ways to save money on our energy bills. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is to unplug any electronics or appliances when they are not being used. This will help reduce phantom loads and save energy.
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to wasted energy is electronics that are left plugged in when they are not being used. Even if an appliance or electronic is turned off, it can still use significant energy if left plugged in. This is known as a phantom load. By unplugging electronics and appliances when they are not being used, you can greatly reduce your home’s energy consumption.
In addition to saving money on your energy bill, unplugging unused electronics can also help prolong the device’s life. Many electronics have internal components that can be damaged by heat, and leaving them plugged in can cause these components to overheat. So not only will you save money by unplugging unused electronics, but you’ll also be helping to extend their lifespan.
8. Hang your laundry instead of using the dryer
One easy way to save energy and money this winter is to hang your laundry instead of using the dryer. Drying clothes in the sun or on a line can save up to 40% of your total home energy usage each month, and it’s better for the environment too.
If you don’t have access to an outdoor space, you can also purchase a drying rack to use inside. Just make sure to place it near a heating vent so that your clothes will dry more quickly. Not only will you save energy, but your clothes will also smell fresher and last longer if you hang them to dry. So next time you do laundry, consider skipping the dryer instead of hanging your clothes up to dry. You’ll be glad you did!
9. Use LED light bulbs
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, we all start spending more time indoors. And that means we’re using more energy to light our homes. But there’s a simple way to reduce your energy usage this winter, and it doesn’t involve sitting in the dark.
Switching to LED light bulbs is easy to save energy and lower your utility bills. LED bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning they use less energy to produce the same amount of light.
They also last longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often. And because they don’t generate as much heat as incandescents, they’re safer to use around your home.
10. Use power strips
This winter, take a stand against wasted energy by plugging all your electronics and appliances into power strips. That way, when you’re not using them, you can simply switch off the power strip to reduce phantom loads. Not only will this help save energy, but it will also help reduce your electricity bill. So go ahead and make the switch today – your wallet will thank you!
11. Keep refrigerator coils clean
Did you know that one of the best ways to save money on your electric bill this winter is to simply keep your refrigerator coils clean? It’s true! When dirt and dust slowly build up on the coils, the refrigerator works harder to maintain optimal temperatures. This leads to higher electric bills month after month.
But there’s an easy solution – simply make sure to clean the coils with a brush or vacuum regularly. By taking this small step, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also help extend the life of your refrigerator. So don’t wait – keep those coils clean and start saving today!
12. Use a space heater
As the temperatures drop, we all start thinking about how to keep our homes warm and toasty without spending a fortune on our energy bills. One way to do this is to use a portable space heater instead of cranking up your furnace.
Space heaters are a great way to heat a single room without wasting energy heating up your entire home. And, if you’re worried about safety, space heaters nowadays come with a host of features, like tip-over protection and automatic shut-off, that make them very safe to use. So next time you feel chilly, reach for a space heater instead of the thermostat.
Conclusion
One way to save energy is to ensure your homes are well insulated. This means ensuring that doors and windows are properly sealed and that any gaps are filled with draft excluders. You can also save energy by using energy-efficient light bulbs and making sure we only use lights when necessary. And finally, during the coldest months, it’s important to remember that turning down the thermostat by just a couple of degrees can significantly affect our energy consumption – and our bills!
By taking these steps, you can make sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible during the winter months, helping you save money while keeping it comfortable at the same time. So get started today and start seeing savings.
