Home Energy Saving Tips to Help You Get Through the Winter
When winter approaches, it signifies colder months and fewer hours of daylight. This also means you spend more time indoors than any other time of the year. You’ll notice an increase in your monthly energy bills around the holidays, usually lasting until the springtime. During the colder months, you consume more heating and lighting in your home which results in a higher electric bill. Here are home energy-saving tips that can help you save money during the wintertime.
Use the Sun to Your Advantage
The sun is a great source of free heat. Make the most of the natural sunlight and open your curtains during sunny days to allow the sun to heat your home naturally. Unfortunately, windows also can be a primary source of heat loss during the winter. At night, close your curtains so heat doesn’t escape through windows.
Reducing Heat Loss
Covering windows during the wintertime will help keep heat from escaping and make your home more energy-efficient. Applying caulk around windows will help with insulating and prevent heat loss. Install insulating curtains or shades onto windows that feel drafty.
Make Sure the Temperature is Right
Your thermostat is the easiest way to adjust the temperature in your home. When you’re home, set the thermostat to a comfortable but not too warm degree. Remember, you can always bundle up with warm clothes or a blanket. When you aren’t home, turn back the thermostat to save on your heating bills. If you don’t plan on using a room such as a spare bedroom for a while, turn the heat down to save on costs.
Lower Lighting Costs
According to the United States Department of Energy, lighting your home counts for roughly 15% of your home’s energy usage. By using LED lighting, the average household can save about $225 in energy costs per year. LED lights have improved light quality, better illumination, and lower power consumption than incandescent bulbs.
Remember to turn off lights in rooms when you are not using them. The more often lights are switched on and off, the lower their operating costs are. Consider sensors and timers on certain lights in or around your home to save on your electric bill.