The winter months bring tons of fun activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your wallet. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home in the middle of harsh weather, many Cambridge families experience high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC in Cambridge 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 lower 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.
Put off 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, don’t forget: cleaning 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 areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Pliescott HVAC Services LLC to hear 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 nearly 40 holiday seasons in Cambridge.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a service visit for your current system. An easy 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 lower your utility bills this winter, give Pliescott HVAC Services LLC in Cambridge a call at 410-228-4822.