Temperatures are dropping, which means it’s time to bust out the fuzzy socks, cozy blankets, and cups of hot cocoa. Unfortunately, it can also mean your heating bill is going to be higher. Luckily, you can act now to increase your home efficiency during the colder months to keep your bills manageable.
Here are five tips to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your energy bills during the coming winter months.
1. Give Your HVAC System a Little TLC
The first tip is to make sure your heating system is running at peak performance. Schedule regular check-ups for your heating system and replace filters. Furnaces and heat pump filters should be replaced once a month or so depending on use. A natural gas furnace allows for warmer heat than other types of energy.
2. Don’t Set it and Forget it
Pay Attention to your Thermostat! It might be tempting to set your thermostat to a balmy 75 degrees and forget about it until the spring, but you’ll pay for it (literally) when the bill comes. Keep your thermostat at or below 68 degrees and consider lowering it at night and when you’re not at home. You can reduce your heat costs by up to 10% just by lowering your thermostat for around 8 hours each day. A programmable thermostat keeps your home running more efficiently and comfortably all year long.
3. Get Some Sun
From Inside Your House, You can’t beat free heat! Let the sun’s power warm up your home by keeping curtains or shades on your southern-facing windows open during the day. You’d be amazed at how much warmer your rooms will stay when you let the sunshine through them during the day.
4. Deck the Halls for Energy Savings
Is there anything cheerier and brighter than holiday lights strung up inside and out? The only problem is that you’re using an awful lot of energy keeping them lit. Replace your holiday lights this year with energy-efficient LED light strings. You can find LED lights in most stores these days.
5. Invest in a Space Heater or natural gas logs in your fireplace
If you spend the majority of your time during the winter cuddled up in your living room, why pay more to heat the whole house? Purchase a portable space heater (or two) for areas you’ll spend the most time in – such as a living room or bedroom. Lower your thermostat and crank up the space heater or your gas logs (but don’t go crazy about it!).
Plus...Since Bridgewater is a Natural Gas community, here are some quick facts to remember:
• Costs less to operate natural gas appliances.
• Allow for faster, more precise cooking.
• Increases the value of your home.
• Warmer heat than any other type of energy.
Keeping your energy use at bay in the cold months isn’t impossible. And you don’t have to shiver your way through winter to do it. By taking these precautions, you can cut your energy bills, and become more energy efficient.
