With the weather cooling down, that means that the nights will get colder and the days will be shorter. As a result, many of us will rely more on our energy-consuming devices for a variety of reasons. When it gets darker earlier in the day, we have to turn on lights to compensate. As the temperature drops, we have to use our heaters to keep warm.
However, just because winter usually means that we will use more energy than normal doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do to mitigate your costs. In fact, there are a variety of ways that you can help reduce your energy usage and save money on your utility bills this winter. For your convenience, we’ve listed out the top five below.
Keep Your Furnace Clean
When was the last time you cleaned your furnace? Do you remember? If not, then it’s a safe bet that it is way overdue for a cleaning. If you want to save on energy costs, then you will need to make sure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible. The best time to get it done is before it gets too cold, that way you can benefit immediately and aren’t trying to get it fixed after the fact.
Only Heat the Rooms You’re in
While it may be tempting to try and keep your whole house warm, that means that your heating system will have to work overtime to maintain an optimal temperature. Instead, use space heaters or, if you have a central system, only heat the rooms and areas that are necessary. Additionally, you can switch things up and turn the heat off and on as you move to other parts of the house. It may not be as comfortable right away, but it will save you lots of money in the long run.
Adjust the Thermostat at Night
Do you sleep with a thick comforter over you? If so, do you manage to stay warm at night, regardless of what the temperature is? Because nighttime is the coldest, your heating system will work more at this time. However, as long as you have warm bedding and cover yourself up, you can lower the thermostat while you’re sleeping, thereby ensuring that you can maximize your energy efficiency.
Bundle Up
In addition to keeping warm in bed, you can also keep your thermostat lower if you bundle up all the time. Wearing sweaters, slippers, and even robes can help you feel much more comfy and cozy, and you won’t have to crank up the heat to stay warm. Who doesn’t love wearing thick sweatshirts all the time?
Upgrade Your Insulation
Getting back to efficiency, your home probably has points where cold air gets in and hot air escapes. Perhaps it’s a crack in a window or maybe it’s that your walls are too thin. If it’s the latter, then you will want to invest in new insulation that will keep your heated air inside for longer, making your system much more efficient and usable.