6 Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills during Winter

Officially, Old Man Winter returns December 21st.  Unofficially, it feels that winter is already here. As we add on the warmer socks, cozier sweaters, and bundle up in our winter jackets, our energy bills also increase. If you’re concerned about your energy bills this winter, here are 6 tips for lowering your costs. 

 

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat 

A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures for each time of the day, so you can find the perfect balance between comfort and saving energy. If you’re not at home during the work week, a programmable thermostat will let you customize your heating schedule. Even better, a smart thermostat gives you even more energy-saving options and allows you to control your HVAC system from anywhere with your smartphone. 

 

Think about your Energy Efficiency 

There are lots of ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. It can be small actions, like turning off the lights when a room is not in use – to more medium sized investments, like upgrading to LED lighting – and even larger, installing Energy Star appliances. As your appliances can account for up to 13 percent of energy use in your home, the more efficient they are then the more money you will save. 

 

There are other ways to check your Energy Efficiency too 

Draught Proof your House 

A reasonable amount of heat is lost through holes, cracks, gaps, and other air leaks that you may not know about inside your home. Start by checking your walls, windows, doors, and corners. If you notice cold air coming from them then it means you are losing heat (and money). If you notice frost or ice on your window frame, then that is an indicator that air leaks might be reducing the surface temperature. 

Keep Your Furnace Filter Clean 

The airflow determines the furnace’s performance. Dirty filters, clogged coils, and fouled blowers can all impede the air passageway, which can lead to an increase in your energy bills. Luckily, Crystal Heating and Cooling offers an air filter subscription to take one item off your to-do list. Also having regular, preventative maintenance can keep your furnace in a good working condition to help energy efficiency!  

Close your Chimney Damper 

Fireplaces help to keep us warm and toasty this time of year but remember to close the damper when you’re done to prevent warm air escaping and cold drafts coming in. 

Switch the Direction of your Ceiling Fan 

If you happen to have a ceiling fan, then changing the direction of the airflow to clockwise can make a room warmer by using thermal destratification, forcing the warm air to go down. The warmer the room, the lower you can set your thermostat. 

 

By adding some of these – and other practices – to your daily routine, you are sure to notice a difference in your energy bill.  

Remember that as the colder it gets outside, the harder your HVAC system will work to keep inside temperatures warm and toasty, therefore an increase in your energy bill is always present come wintertime. If you feel that your system is working especially hard (and costing you extra in the process) then give Crystal Heating & Cooling a call at 519-756-6888. We are available 24/7 to lend our experience and service to anyone who has an issue