The cold season brings lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your budget. From holiday lights to staying warm in the middle of harsh weather, many Litchfield Park families have high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Cooler Tymes LLC in Litchfield Park created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program your thermostat to lower heating output when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is used when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and lower 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.
Put off doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, keep in mind: 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 see the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you ways to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Cooler Tymes LLC to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to get lower utility bills is to switch out your less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Litchfield Park.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current system. An easy tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can reduce your utility bills this winter, give Cooler Tymes LLC in Litchfield Park a call at 623-208-6444.