Tips for Saving Energy in the Winter

If the thought of your electric bill makes you shiver, it shouldn’t. There are plenty of ways to reduce expenses that are simple to implement, easy changes that anyone can use to cut costs while keeping warm. After all, you shouldn’t have to compromise something so basic as the comfort of your home.

With a little foresight and a bit of planning, you won’t dread the task of sorting through your monthly mail. Adopt a few of these suggestions and you’ll soon find the only thing you have to worry about this winter is what gifts to get your relatives for the holidays.

Finding and Fixing Drafts

Take the necessary time to work out these adjustments in advance. You don’t want to find yourself caught in the middle of a project deep in December, wiping the frost from your face as you work with frozen fingers. A proactive approach is best when it comes to energy conservation.

Preparations should begin as far back as fall when the temperatures begin to drop. Move from room to room in your home, checking loose doors and windows for anywhere a draft could sneak through. An easy way to do this is to light a stick of incense in your living space with the fans turned off.

As you inspect each point of suspicion — from vents to the edges of entryways — any place where the smoke is blown into the house or sucked out is a potential leak. You can attend to these leaks on your own through the use of caulk or spray foam if you have a DIY attitude and the right supplies. It might also be a good idea to upgrade your home with new aluminium doors and windows to make it more energy efficient.

Appliances and Alternatives

You shouldn’t take on all of the responsibilities yourself. For more involved work on appliances, contact a specialist who can do the job and offer suggestions. Have them flush out your water heater for cleaning to ensure that everything is in working order, as it may save you expensive repair work down the line.

That said, you don’t have to depend on your heating system to keep you comfortable. If you lower the temperature in your home and supplement that drop with a space heater, you can focus your energy expenditure on warming a specific room, cutting down on the overall cost of your electric bill.

In much the same way, an electric blanket provides a similar utility. It’s all about maximizing the efficiency of the energy you expend. As long as you don’t mind the momentary discomfort of leaving your toasty room or the shelter of your blanket, turning down the thermostat can save you a tremendous sum.

Energy-Efficient Technology

The transition from conventional products toward green alternatives has made finding and installing eco-friendly fixtures easier than ever. If you update old technology throughout your home with energy-saving models, you’ll enjoy the same level of comfort at a lower cost to both you and the planet. If this sounds interesting, check out this list of best smart air conditioners.

During dark winter nights when we’re up with a book or hard at work on a project, we often depend on traditional bulbs. A simple switch to LED bulbs can reduce energy expenditure by a significant margin. In fact, LED bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer.

Recent advances in home automation technology have allowed for smart devices that save energy. Certain devices adapt to your schedule, adjusting temperatures while you’re away from home to reduce unnecessary costs. As these gadgets grow in popularity, they also lower in price.

No Need to Bundle Up

The winter months are unkind to those who don’t plan ahead. Start making adjustments to your home now, because before you know it, the weather will turn and you don’t want to get caught out in the cold. Fortunately, you have no lack of options with how you prepare — it’s only important that you do.

So fix those drafty rooms, check your appliances, get a space heater and research smart home devices. Through hail, sleet or snow, you’ll keep a sunny disposition.

Bio

Emily Folk is a conservation and sustainability freelance writer and blogger from Lancaster, PA. Check out her blog, Conservation Folks, or follow her on Twitter for the latest updates!