While it’s great to shut that air conditioner off and enjoy a few months of more reasonable electric bills, the joy is all too often short-lived. Winter comes on all too quickly, and heating bills can get the best of you if you don’t take some necessary preventative measures. Here’s a closer look at some quick and easy ways to save money this winter courtesy of The WireNut, your local electrician Colorado.
Forgo the Fireplace
While it can be nice cuddle up once in a while in front of a roaring fire, any warm-and-fuzzy feelings quickly dissipate when your electric bill arrives. While your chimney lets smoke out, it also lets cold air in. So if you do want to use your fireplace, try and do so sparingly, and take the time to turn down the thermostat first.
Seal Any and All Air Leaks
It’s easy, affordable and a no-brainer – air leaks in windows, doors, plumbing and wiring let warm air out, but most of these problems can be easily fixed with a few minutes of time and a few dollars’ worth of materials. Apply caulking or weather-stripping material to windows and consider investing in a backdoor sweep if drafty doors are sucking the warmth from your home.
Maintain a Healthy Heating System
Tuning up furnaces or otherwise paying attention to faulty pilot lights or busted or loose fan belts can end up saving you hundreds of dollars each year in the long run. While your wallet will thank you, you’ll also feel more comfortable after coming in from the cold. Maximize efficiency even further in your home by sealing any ductwork in your attic, basement or crawl space using mastic duct sealant.
Embrace the Energy-Efficient Water Heater
Newsflash – heating water in your home for a shower can account for more than 10 percent of your monthly electric bill. If you’re using a water heater that’s more than 10 years old, that figure may be even higher. An energy-efficient electric water heater will likely reduce your monthly bill between 10 and 20 percent.
There’s no time like the dead of winter to sneak off somewhere warm, so utilize these tips and give yourself more money in your pocket this season to pay for it.
