When cold weather rolls in, many of us turn up the heater and take longer showers. Winter may be an excellent time to cozy up, but we also stay home more, driving up electricity bills. So it’s no surprise that energy usage increases in the winter months. But you can reduce your energy bills by following these tips from USA Electric:
Optimize Thermostat Settings
During winter, heating systems consume the most energy at home. So the first way to improve energy savings is to program your thermostat wisely. As a rule of thumb, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is an optimal temperature to maintain indoors. This temperature serves as an affordable balance between comfort and savings. In addition, you can lower the temperature while away from home or sleeping to cut costs even further. While you’re at it, you can adjust your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, an energy-efficient setting that should provide plenty of hot water.
Insulate Your Home
Window gaps, wall cracks, and various openings throughout the home make your heating system work harder to reach desired temperatures. So consider insulating your home by applying weatherstripping to doors and windows, then sealing visible cracks with caulk. You can also take it a step further by insulating cold areas, such as the attic, with insulation materials like fiberglass or cellulose. In addition, insulating your water heater and hot water pipes can also reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Bundle Up To Keep Warm
Extra blankets, sweaters, and warm clothing can help you stay cozy without overworking your heating system. You can also place rugs throughout your rooms to insulate chilly flooring. And when it’s nice and sunny outside, open your drapes to heat the house, then close them to avoid drafts and heat loss. With these tips, you can keep warm while minimizing heater usage.
Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Lighting
If you still use incandescent lighting at home, you could miss out on significant energy savings from LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star-rated LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. So if you want to lower your monthly electric bills, ensure your home uses LED lighting.
Contact USA Electric Today
Our professionals at USA Electric can help bring your electrical system up to standard. We have you covered whether you have old wiring or need to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. So if you’re dealing with expensive electric bills, we can inspect your system and suggest energy-saving improvements. There are many ways to cut energy costs, and we can deliver the best option for your needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a service!
