The winter months bring tons of fun activities and events, but it can also impact your budget. From holiday lights to staying warm throughout harsh weather, many Temple/Belton families have high energy expenses. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Bell Air Conditioning Inc in Temple/Belton put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program your thermostat to lower heating output 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 decrease 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 help save money on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, 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 see 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 HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting in unwanted cold air. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Bell Air Conditioning Inc to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to get lower utility bills is to switch out your older holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these energy efficient lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Temple/Belton.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money 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 do its job.
For more information on how you can achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Bell Air Conditioning Inc in Temple/Belton a call at 254-307-9572.