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Do you know what makes for a long winter? An increase in utility bills. Get ready, folks. Winter is on its way, and a recent report from the US EIA claims natural gas users can expect nearly a 30% increase in the cost to heat their homes.
As we continue dealing with international drama, outrageous inflation, and uncertain financial markets, corporations will continue increasing consumer prices. There is nothing you can do about companies charging more. But you can make cuts to keep costs low.
Conserve Energy
Conserving energy is still the most effective way to reduce your utility bills. Start by making your home more energy-efficient.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to prevent drafts. Add or upgrade insulation in your attic, walls, and floors. And install energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, throughout your home.
You can also conserve energy by letting the internet do some of the work for you. Websites like the iselect electricity comparison will compare energy plans for you. All you need to do is plug in a postcode.
Close Doors and Windows – Be More Mindful
Doing this can help keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Wash clothes in cold water and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Unplug electronics when they’re not in use. Even when they’re turned off, many devices still use power. Many utility companies offer a budget plan, allowing customers to split their bills evenly throughout the year instead of having large bills to pay in the summer and winter.
Replace Old Appliances
Outdated appliances are one of the biggest energy wasters in the home. If your dishwasher is more than ten years old, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model could save you up to $40 a year on your utility bills.
Other appliances you may consider replacing include your refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, and water heater. These products generate an increased drain on your electricity as they age and become less efficient.
Keep the Thermostat at a Moderate Temperature
During the winter, set the thermostat to a cooler temperature when you’re home and lower it when you’re away or asleep. In the summer, increase the number. There is no point in keeping your home in a comfortable climate if no one is there.
Programmable thermostats are budget-friendly options that will automatically adjust the temperature for times when you’re not home.
Give “Zoning” a Try
Zoning is a system that allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home. So, if you have a room that’s naturally warmer or cooler than others, you can use this method to smooth out some of that variance and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Zoning can be as simple as closing doors to unused rooms or installing a zone damper in your ductwork. Some homes have a latch on the vents, so you can open and close the duct to the room as you see fit.
Use a Space Heater Safely
Space heaters are a good option if you need to supplement your heating. Just be sure to use them safely.
When using a space heater, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Place the space heater on a level surface.
- Try to keep all items away from the heater, no matter how safe you think they are.
- Turn it off when it’s not in use.
Use Less Hot Water
Heating water is a colossal energy consumer. You can reduce your hot water usage – and lower your utility bills – by using cold water in the washing machine and taking shorter showers.
You can also consider investing in a low-flow showerhead, which averages around 20% fewer gallons per minute than standard versions.
Use a Clothesline
During the warmer months, air-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. You’ll not only save energy, but you’ll also extend the life of your clothes.
In the winter, you can use your bathroom or a mudroom for the same task. Any warm room in your house will do the trick. You can also dry clothes on a drying rack if you don’t have a clothesline.
Get Your HVAC System Inspected
It’s crucial to have your HVAC unit regularly serviced, given its importance to your overall comfort and the energy required to make that happen. A professional HVAC contractor can clean and tune up your system to ensure it runs efficiently.
Wrapping It Up
While we don’t expect you to implement all of these steps immediately, putting some into action now and adding other projects down the road, can save a lot on your utility bills.
You can also save money by using a programmable thermostat, dressing appropriately for the weather, and air-drying your clothes.
Be mindful of your usage and sign up for a budget plan to spread out your payments evenly throughout the year. These simple tips will help you keep more money in your pocket this winter – without sacrificing comfort.