Simple Tips to Help Reduce Electric Bills this Fall and Winter

As we approach the end of summer, we’re looking forward to cozy nights enjoying hot chocolate and binging our favorite Netflix shows. But the switch to heating leads to costly energy bills for most homeowners–so we’ve come up with some easy ways to help you save on electric bills this winter.

Leave Curtains Open During Daylight Hours

Tap into natural energy and use the sun’s rays to heat your home during winter. Opening your curtains during the daytime allows light and warmth to flood your home. And what’s more – it’s completely free!

Remember to close the curtains, blinds, or shutters again at night, so the heat can’t escape. Keeping curtains closed in the evening prevents pesky drafts spoiling the warmth you’ve accumulated during the day.

Seal off Drafts in Windows and Where Pipes Enter the House

Make keeping heat inside your home a priority. Use caulk to seal air leaks around window frames, baseboards, door jambs, and other areas where two materials meet. Seal gaps around pipes entering your home with foam gaskets, pipe wrap, or self-adhesive pipe insulation.

Smart Thermostats Help Lower Your Electric Bill

Smart thermostats help you save money by controlling your home’s temperature more efficiently. They also make it easier for you to manage your home’s temperature from anywhere – which is great if you’re not home during the day or are away for extended periods of time.

In fact, installing a smart thermostat can significantly lower your energy usage and reduce your heating bills by up to eight percent.

Try Not to Use Major Appliances During Peak Hours

Save money by running appliances during off-peak hours, so they don’t interfere with peak demand times (when electricity is more expensive). Off-peak hours are usually the first few hours of the day and the last few hours of the evening. During these times, electric companies charge less for electricity because there’s a lower demand for power.

Use Rugs to Cover Concrete or Hardwood Floors

Rugs and carpets trap air, which keeps your house warm in winter and cool in summer. Meaning you use less energy to keep your home at the right temperature.

Heat rises through the floor and into your home. So, if you have bare floors, heat rises quickly, leaving cold spots near windows and doors where heat can escape easily. A colorful rug also adds that perfect splash of color to your home.

Keep Cozy by Wearing Extra Layers

When the temperature drops, it’s time to dig out your winter wardrobe and bundle up. The key to staying warm is layering. Layers trap air between them, creating insulation and trapping heat close to your body.

It’s best to layer thin fabrics. You don’t need thick layers of bulky fabric — you want to be able to move around easily. Instead, try thin layers of lightweight fleece or wool knitwear.

Switch off Phantom Loads

Phantom loads are small amounts of electricity used to power electronics in standby mode or connected to a device but not used. These devices can be left on by accident or through forgetfulness, or they may be left on intentionally.

Remember to unplug any appliances you don’t use to save on electric bills.

Wash Laundry with Cold Water

A simple way to save energy is by washing clothes in cold water, then drying them on a line or rack instead of using the dryer.

Another reason to consider washing clothes in cold water is that it keeps colors vibrant longer, especially if you use a detergent designed for cold-water washes. Better for your clothes and less expensive for your electric bills.

Reset Your Water Heater

One way to cut these costs is by lowering the temperature on your water heater. Most people set their water heaters at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is fine for most purposes — but it’s not ideal if you want to save money on your electric bills.

Change Your Air Filter

Air filters are an integral part of your heating system. If you don’t change your filter regularly, dust and other airborne particles can build up in the system. These particles reduce airflow and make your furnace work harder to heat your home. Over time, this extra work can cause premature wear on equipment and increase your electric bills.

Arrange Regular Furnace Maintenance

Furnaces are one of the most important appliances in your home. They keep your family warm and comfortable but also significantly impact your energy bills. If you want to reduce those costs and increase the life of your furnace, book regular services with a heating professional.

Need more information? Speak to one of our HVAC professionals to learn more about heating your Sacramento and East Bay home this fall and winter.