Have you heard that winter energy bills are skyrocketing? National Grid increased their rates by over 100% as you’ll see in the photo below. Meanwhile, Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a brutally cold winter with three winter snowstorms. Unfortunately, this translates to energy bills that are nearly unaffordable for many homeowners throughout New England.
Luckily, there is a silver lining. You may not think so, but even in the middle of the winter, you can lower your heating bills. We’ve put together five tips to help cut your energy bill by 20% or more!
1. Install a Programmable Smart Thermostat
Have you seen the array of smart thermostats available today? This smart new technology allows you to lower the thermostat during the day when no one is at home and while you are sleeping. You can program it to your lifestyle and it will even figure out how long it takes for your home to reach your desired temperature! Going to be home late? You can  You can save up to $145 per year by switching to a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats like the Nest and the Ecobee3 help you save money on your energy bills by learning your habits and then adjusting the temperature in your home accordingly. For example, if you leave for work before 7 a.m. every morning, chances are you won’t need your heat or AC turned on until 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that learns your heating and cooling preferences over time. You can program it to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule, the weather outside, and even energy usage patterns. It’s a great way to save money and help the environment by reducing energy use.
2. Get a Tune-up for Your Heating and Cooling System
Schedule a professional tune-up of your heating and cooling system and also remember to change out your air filters to increase efficiency. Tune up your HVAC system once or twice a year by getting your air ducts cleaned professionally. Ducts collect dust, dirt, and other pollutants throughout the year and a clean system will help you breathe better and improve air quality.
Tune-up and maintenance for your HVAC system include aspects such as:
- Change your air filter once a month to keep the air in your home clean. Air filters keep the dust and dirt particles out of your home and make the air you breathe healthier.
- Cleaning the outside of your ducts and vents can help you keep dust and dirt out of your home, and cleaning the inside of your ducts can help improve your indoor air quality.
- Have your HVAC system checked over by a professional for the best results
Staying on top of HVAC maintenance can improve home performance while keeping your home comfortable, especially when you have energy-efficient windows and doors installed!
3. Seal Doors & Windows Tight for lower Winter Energy BillsÂ
Tending to your windows and doors is one of the best steps you can take for conserving energy. Keep in mind that up to 40% of your home’s energy is lost through old and drafty windows.
If your windows are very drafty and your home is always cold, consider window replacement for the biggest energy savings and performance benefits. Yes, we install windows in cold weather!
To get the best results in terms of sealing your doors and windows for energy loss, try the following:
- Weatherstripping for windows can help you reduce energy loss through cracks and gaps in your windows. Weatherstripping helps to keep warm air inside during the winter and stop warm air from escaping during the summer. Weatherstripping works best when it’s placed along the perimeter of the window frame, where it creates a seal around the entire window.
- Make sure you use good quality weather-stripping around your windows & doors. You can also use paintable caulk around doors and windows to stop air leaks and reduce energy loss.
- Our high-end precision-engineered triple weatherstripping is exceptional at containing heat inside of your home
- Heavy-duty cam sweeps on windows also create a tight seal with a tight suction
- Don’t forget the door sweep, which saves energy by blocking drafts that leak through the bottom of the doorÂ
Dealing with drafty windows? We have an extensive guide on drafty windows that can help you pinpoint areas of air infiltration and stop drafts in their tracks.
4. Use a Space Heater
Rather than heating the entire house to your desired temperature, use an electrical small space heater in the area where you spend most of your day so you can turn down the thermostat. You’ll be warm & cozy and your furnace won’t work as much.
Space heaters are convenient, but you’ll need to consider the importance of safety while using one. Some space heater safety guidelines include:
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn
- Never place a space heater near your bed or on top of anything that can burn
- Space heaters should be unplugged when not in use
- Keep space heaters out of the reach of children and pets
- Space heaters are best for heating one room for a short amount of time
5. Lower Your Water Heating Costs
Many of us think about winter energy bills in terms of our furnace, but don’t forget about water heating. Your water heater can account for up to 25% of the energy consumed in your home so turn down the temperature (120°F). This will save you money and also avoid scalding your hands.
Pro Tip: If you have a hot water heating system, you may want to consider insulating it. Insulating your hot water tank can prevent heat from escaping, which will help keep your water at the right temperature. You can also insulate your hot water pipes and faucets to reduce heat loss.
Don’t Forget to Shop Around for Energy Suppliers
The energy industry is a competitive business so make sure you shop around. Negotiate with energy suppliers to find the best deal on electricity and service for your needs.
If you live in Massachusetts, check out this list of available energy suppliers.
Winter Energy Bills: Save Energy Now with Energy Efficient Exterior Products
Worried about winter energy bills?
If you’re thinking about upgrading your windows, doors, roofing, and vinyl siding for more energy-efficient home exterior products, call us (888) 812-2783 and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. At Coastal Windows & Exteriors we carry the best roofing, siding, window, and door products in New England while offering the best warranties in the business. Contact us now for a free estimate.
