Many people think the key to keeping their electric bill consistent is leaving their thermostat at the same temperature all year. The truth is that even if the temperature in your home remains unchanged, your heating system has to work harder to maintain it during colder months.
Fortunately, keeping your electric bill under control during the winter months doesn’t have to be complicated. Try a few of these simple steps around your home to see how much of a difference it can make on your monthly electric bill.
- Check your insulation — Just because you don’t see your home’s insulation every day doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Ensuring your home is properly insulated is one of the best ways to keep your bill down, during both hot and cold months.
- Get a programmable thermostat — Newer thermostats let you control the temperature of your home based on when you’re there and when you’re out. Save money during the day by setting a base temperature for when you’re out and about, and set another so that the thermostat will adjust the temperature to comfortable levels before you get home.
- Check the seal on doors and windows — Most homes lose about 20% of their heat around windows and doors. Make sure those gaps are properly sealed so that your home’s heating system isn’t working harder than it needs to.
- Adjust your water heater temperature — By default, most water heaters are set to 140 degrees F when installed. Most people, however, don’t need that much heat. Lowering that setting to 120 degrees can save 6% to 10% on your electric bill each month.
- Dress for the weather — Reaching for the thermostat doesn’t always have to be the first resort when you’re feeling a chill. Instead, pull on a sweatshirt and a pair of warm socks to stay comfortable while keeping your electric bill under control.
- Let the sun in — Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to let the sun naturally heat your home. At night, keep them closed to help trap heat inside.
- Use LED lighting — LED bulbs use 75% less energy than standard bulbs. They also last longer.
- Only heat the rooms you use — Don’t waste electricity by warming rooms no one is using, particularly spaces that aren’t insulated, like a garage, attic or storage room. If you have areas not being used, such as a guest room, keep their vents closed to save on the cost of heating them.