The cold season brings lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many Greensburg families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, there are easy ways to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Wallpe Heating & Cooling in Greensburg came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output during hours when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is used when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and reduce the temperature to 55-65 degrees at times when you’re away at work, out of town or sleeping to achieve lower utility bills.
2. Make sure you only wash when you have full loads.
Don’t do laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, keep in mind: clearing out the lint trap after every load can save you up to $34 a year, according to PG&E.
3. Conduct a home energy audit.
A home energy audit can help you determine the places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Wallpe Heating & Cooling to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your older holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in Greensburg.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 every year on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current system. An easy tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Wallpe Heating & Cooling in Greensburg a call at 812-663-7252.