6 Ways to Get Lower Utility Bills This Winter

November 10, 2015
couple making calculations

The winter season brings lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your wallet. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Franklin & South Indy families have high energy costs. Luckily, there are easy ways to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.

Our professionals at Winters Heating and Cooling in Franklin & South Indy created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see 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 required when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and decrease to 55-65 degrees at times when you’re away at work, out of town or sleeping to achieve lower utility bills.

  1. Make sure you only wash when you have full loads.

Hold on doing laundry until you can do full loads. This will help save 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: cleaning out the lint trap after every load can save you up to $34 a year, according to PG&E.

  1. Conduct a home energy audit.

A home energy audit can help you see the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.

  1. Properly seal your leaks.

From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of 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 Winters Heating and Cooling to hear more about sealing your air ducts.

  1. Use LED holiday lights.

One easy way to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Franklin & South Indy.

  1. Install a high-efficiency furnace.

If you need to replace your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars a year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current equipment. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to operate.

For more information on how you can achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Winters Heating and Cooling in Franklin & South Indy a call at 317-406-5382.