5 Tips to Help You Save on Energy Bills this Winter (2024)
December 21st marks the start of the winter season. For many Americans, cold and often freezing temperatures means higher utility bills to keep warm.
Keep your energy bills in check by following a few simple tips around your home.
Cover and Repair Windows
Windows can be a major source of lost heat from the inside of your home, especially those that are not insulated for cold weather. Ensure windows are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. Caulking small gaps, applying weatherstripping to movable parts, and using window attachments can help keep you warm this winter.
Check and Replace Central Heating Filters Regularly
Dirty filters trap lint, pollen, dust, and more that can reduce airflow. This makes your system work harder, taking longer to heat your home, and driving up costs. Make sure to check your filter every month. If it’s dirty, change it. At a minimum, replace your filter at least once every three months.
Make Energy Efficient Upgrades Around Your Home
Making it easier and more affordable for consumers to choose energy efficient appliances in their homes is a huge priority of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Visit www.CleanEnergy.gov to learn more about the tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available to help you make clean energy upgrades in 2023 and beyond.
Program or Adjust Your Thermostat
Make sure you heat your home only when you or others are around to reduce extra costs. Programmable thermostats allow you to monitor and set your heat usage, so you can have ease of mind. Consider upgrading your system or adjust your thermostat manually when you go out for the day.
Use Your Ceiling Fan to Keep Warm
While ceiling fans are thought to be a summer tool to combat the heat, they can also be used during the winter to keep warm air circulating below the fan. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This will create an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.The ceiling fan won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.Remember to turn off your fan when no one is in the room to keep cutting costs!
President Biden's Investing in America agenda makes saving on energy costs easier than ever with our Energy Savings Hub. This online resource provides information about clean energy tax credits and rebates for homeowners, renters, and drivers, helping you lower your energy bills and make your home more efficient. Visit Energy.gov/Save today to learn more and start saving!
[Updated on December 7, 2023: This blog post has been updated to incorporate information about the Department of Energy’s online resource, which provides information about clean energy tax credits and rebates.]
Experts recommend lowering your thermostat a few degrees during the day and then lowering it even more at night. You can save as much as 10% off your heating bill by turning your thermostat down 7°-10°F for just 8 hours a day. If you feel chilly, wear a sweater instead of cranking up the heat.
Experts recommend lowering your thermostat a few degrees during the day and then lowering it even more at night. You can save as much as 10% off your heating bill by turning your thermostat down 7°-10°F for just 8 hours a day. If you feel chilly, wear a sweater instead of cranking up the heat.
Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F. If the fireplace is never used, plug and seal the chimney flue. Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
Keep rooms cool without air conditioning. Reduce heat from direct sunlight by adding shade or keeping blinds closed. Keep windows or doors open to allow air flow when temperatures drop.
Reduce or avoid appliance use. Avoid turning on your oven during the hottest part of the day.
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You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
If your lifestyle allows it, consider lowering that temperature by 6 to 8 degrees at night and while the house is empty, such as during work hours and vacations. The average savings for homeowners who do this is 1% to 3% per degree that they lower the thermostat.
Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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