Winter, like summer, can be brutal on our electric bills. From heating to holiday uses, our electrical consumption can skyrocket. Luckily, there are easy steps we can take to save money to help keep us under budget during the colder months. Here are some tips, brought to you by EPC Solutions.
Maximize Efficiency
Ensuring that your appliances and electronics are energy-efficient can save a good deal on your bill throughout the year. The biggest energy drains are refrigerators and stoves. Therefore, switching to Energy Star versions is recommended. One of the best things you can do during the winter months is to keep your furnace in peak condition. Ideally, use a filter that has a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least six. This uses less energy and keeps the air in your house clean. You can also look into a smart thermostat. By adapting to your family's habits, a smart thermostat can save you up to 40 percent of the energy used in a household.
Believe it or not, you can also save energy by minimizing stress in the household. Here’s why: when we optimize the way we live, we’re less likely to rely on technology as a kind of junk food for the senses. That being said, saving energy often includes small to moderate changes in lifestyle, and that’s not always something we can do overnight. In fact, we’re usually better off if we try to make these changes gradually, so it’s not so much of a shock to the system.
Seal Up the Home
Nothing can spike an energy bill like a draft. The first places you should look for leaks are the attic, air ducts, and the basement or foundation. However, you shouldn't overlook more rudimentary locations, including doors, windows, and fireplaces when not in use. You can use door snakes for gaps at entrances and sealant around the frame of a window. Also, plug up outlets if you notice a draft coming through. You can test for a leak yourself with a stick of incense. Take a lit stick to anywhere you think might be drafty and see if the smoke moves. If it does, it might be time to get a professional assessment.
Go Tankless
Most water heaters come with large tanks. These are considered energy drains, as they need to maintain heat in the tank. A tankless heater saves energy while providing hot water instantly. This, in turn, saves on water as the tap does not need to run to “warm up.” They can end up saving 10 to 15 percent of your total water heating bill. This equates to up to $100 a year just by having one. Unfortunately, one electric heater is not enough for many larger households; it can be difficult to run multiple showers, or a shower and the washing machine at the same time. However, smaller homes should take advantage of the savings.
Use Non-Electrical Resources
Look at heating as keeping people, not the home itself, warm. Layer sweaters, drink warm beverages, and get cuddly with blankets or robes. If you are wrapped up tightly, you can lower the thermostat and save energy. Otherwise, consider heavy curtains. Hang them on windows that don't get direct sunlight to trap heat inside. If windows do face the sun, open the curtains and let in a natural source of heat — just make sure to close them at night. You can use a space heater or hot water bottle to keep your body toasty in cooler environments. It really doesn't take much to remain insulated against the cold indoors.
Update Your Insulation
You can keep your house warm with new insulation. This may be a major home update, but it can have a powerful effect on your energy consumption. It will also help your property stay cool during the summer months, too. Cotton batts are safer than fiberglass, but are slightly more expensive. Although cheaper, fiberglass can cause cancer. Spray foam is the best, but it needs a professional hand. As always, look into what makes sense for your property.
It may seem like work to swap out your water heater and update your insulation, but every bit helps. Be as efficient as possible, maximize efficiency, and take what steps you can to generate additional heat. You can save a bundle this year on your electricity with only a few adjustments.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Author Sarah Bull
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