How Can I Save On My Electric Bill In The Winter

20 Dec How Can I Save On My Electric Bill In The Winter

Winter has undoubtedly arrived, in case you didn’t notice the freezing air, chilly winds, and possibly even snow. Nobody wants to feel like Frosty the Snowman in their own homes, but electricity costs in the winter can soar through the roof when battling cold weather. You may be wondering, “how can I save on my electric bill in the winter?” Here we have provided the 3 top tips for saving money while keeping toasty warm all winter long.

1. Seal Up Cracks

Warm air escapes, and cold air gets in when you have leaky windows. The seals around your windows aren’t designed to last forever, and eventually, they will crack or wear away. The heat lost through those leaky windows can account for 10% to 25% of your overall heating bill. Replacing your window seals or applying a DIY solution is quick, easy, and can save you bundles of money.

2. Lower Your Thermostat

You may be thinking that winter is the time to turn the thermostat up, not down! To some degree, you are correct, but the “cold” can be misleading. In many cold climates, the dry winter air sucks the moisture out of your skin, elevating your perception of how cold you are. By turning on a humidifier, you can add moisture back into the air and make yourself feel less cold. By doing so, you won’t have to have the heat cranked up quite so high.

In addition, Energy.gov recommends setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower for eight hours a day to lower your heating bill significantly. You can do this while you are away at work or as you sleep. If you have a programmable thermostat, all you have to do is set it and never worry about forgetting to be energy efficient again! If you don’t, you may want to consider installing a programmable thermostat soon!

3. Weather Proof your Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the least energy-efficient appliances in the house. Energy escapes no matter what, but you can help minimize it by:

– Setting your temperature to 115 to 120 degrees.

– Completing regular maintenance checks.

– Adding an insulation blanket (check your owner’s manual first).

– Insulating your hot water pipes.

This little extra preparation could save you bundles of money!

Switch to LED Lights

As a bonus tip that will save you money all year long, you should switch to LED lights! According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. Yes, the initial investment into LED bulbs may seem costly, but it will end up saving you thousands of dollars over the years, not only in energy costs but in light bulbs.

Get an Electrical Inspection

When was the last time you had an electrical inspection? It is recommended to have one at least once a year. If you haven’t had one lately, an electrical inspection can help you to determine other ways to save on your electrical bills all year long.