The cold season brings a bunch of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home in the middle of harsh weather, many Troy families experience high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc in Troy came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is required 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.
Don’t do laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help save money on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, 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 find the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air 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 around doors and windows. Contact Edington Heating & Cooling Inc to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your older holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Troy.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars a year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current system. An easy tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to operate.
For more information on how you can reduce your utility bills this winter, give Edington Heating & Cooling Inc in Troy a call at 937-558-9478.