Does seeing your winter electric bill make you nervous, stressed, and maybe even overwhelmed?
You're not alone!
Not only do you have to deal with rising electricity rates each year, but you also see your bill higher as you use your furnace, space heaters, fireplace, and other devices more in winter. Being home more in the cold months and hosting holidays can also add to your energy bill.
If you're wondering how to get a lower electric bill, you might worry you'll need to keep your house too cool. The good news is that you can take some action to keep your home warm while still saving you some cash.
Learn how to lower electric bills in winter with these five tips.
1. Set Your Thermostat Temperature the Smart Way
It might seem obvious that you can get a lower electric bill if you keep your thermostat at a lower temperature.
But you might be surprised to learn that just a one-degree decrease can drop your bill by 1 percent.
Even moving your thermostat from 75 to 72 can save at least a few bucks each month, and this will add up over the months. You should still be warm enough, and you might find an extra blanket worth it for the savings.
At the same time, avoid setting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and just leaving it there.
You also need to consider the times of day you're actually home so that you can have your home most comfortable when you're actually there.
For example, if you're gone for 10 hours a day, it probably doesn't make sense to make your home warm and toasty when you can't benefit.
Instead, you might set a lower temperature for when you and your family are gone. Then, you can set a more comfortable temperature as soon as you come in.
To make things easier, consider investing in a smart thermostat that you can program and control easily with your smartphone.
This allows you to adjust the temperature a bit before you arrive home or lower it if you forget to do so before heading out. These devices often have tools that show you how to optimize energy efficiency too.
2. Know How to Keep the Warm Air Inside
Even if you set your thermostat to a warm temperature, your house might have some air leaks that let cold air in.
This makes your heating equipment work harder, and you'll see your energy bill go up, too!
So, know where to check around your house for air leaks and seal them with something to keep your warm air inside.
Doors and windows are common places where these leaks can happen, so feel around them to see if you notice a draft. For example, putting a rug against the bottom of a door or installing window insulation can help. Your chimney, cupboard, ductwork, and cut-throughs for your utilities are also common places where air leaks can happen.
Also, know that your home's insulation can either help or hurt when it comes to keeping your home warm.
Having a well-insulated attic can help your home hold heat better. To save money, you'll find it important not to waste time heating spaces without insulation. This includes places like your garage and crawlspaces.
Lastly, consider opening the blinds or drapes on a sunny day.
The heat from this natural light can benefit the inside of your home, too. Just remember to close your blinds or drapes after the sunset though.
3. Take Steps to Circulate Warm Air
Keeping the warm air in your home often isn't enough to keep you and your family comfortable and keep your winter electric bill manageable.
You'll also want to circulate the warm air so that it doesn't get stuck in a specific area of your home or near the ceiling.
You probably only think of using a fan during the summer months-but did you know that using one in the winter can help blow the warm air around and direct it to where it's needed most?
Any type of fan can work, but especially consider a ceiling fan that turns in a reverse direction. This will help bring warm air down from the ceiling to the bottom part of the room.
Do you use a wood stove or a fireplace to heat your home? You can use a simple box fan that will blow that warm air in a straight direction.
Along with using fans to help move the warm air, pay attention to your home's layout, doors, and vents.
It might make sense not to direct warm air to a room nobody uses, but you won't want to leave your bedroom door closed if it will be too cold in time for sleeping.
You also don't want to have closed off or blocked vents in the rooms where you spend the most time. Check that there isn't any furniture, rugs, or other items covering part or all of the vents.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Products in Your Home
Energy companies like Vault Electricity recommend that you replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.
Not only will you lower your electric bill, but you'll also have less of an impact on the environment.
If you have an old furnace, you can benefit from an energy-efficient new model that can even adjust to changes in temperature. While these models will require a larger upfront cost, you can potentially save 20 percent or more in heating costs over the furnace's lifetime.
Look for models that have an Energy Star label on them.
To have lower electric bills throughout the year, consider other appliances that you use often and are quite outdated.
For example, you might have a 20-year old fridge or an old washer and dryer. Replacing these with more efficient models can even provide better performance when you cool your food or clean your clothes.
Don't overlook the lighting throughout your home either.
If you still have some traditional incandescent bulbs, you're using up to 80 percent more energy than you would with modern lighting options. Consider replacing them with LED or CFL bulbs which will both last longer and save you some cash.
And regardless of the appliances you have, turn them off when you're not using them.
It's easy to forget to unplug a phone charger or turn off a light before you leave-but doing so will start adding up in savings.
5. Consider Other Sources for Electricity and Heating
If you find that your regular furnace or space heater makes your electric bill too high, consider supplemental options and alternatives.
Rather than an electric furnace, consider installing a gas furnace since natural gas often costs less. However, factor in the installation cost with the savings to determine if it's worth it.
A geothermal heat pump can also be an option.
They use warmer underground temperatures to heat your home more efficiently. Due to the cost, it can time several years to see a difference in savings, but you can expect the equipment to last a few decades.
You can also supplement your electric heating with a regular wood-burning fireplace. As long as you have a cheap wood source, you can possibly lower your thermostat and let the warm air from the fireplace circulate. You will also have a back-up heat source in case a winter storm knocks out your power.
If your home didn't come with a fireplace, you could consider a pellet stove.
These can provide enough warmth for a single room or even your whole house depending on the size you buy. Instead of using wood logs, you'll use special wood-based pellets.
You also always have the option to consider making use of solar energy to cut your electric bills around the year. You'd install solar panels on your home to generate electricity from the sun that you can use to power your gadgets and appliances.
Solar energy means a lower electric bill and minimal maintenance, too.
But do know that your location and the weather can impact whether switching is the right decision for you. If you make the move, you can find government programs to help pay for the costs.
Now You Know How to Lower Electric Bills in Winter
You might not be able to control your electric company's price increases.
But these tips can help you cut your overall electrical uses without sacrificing your comfort this winter. Even better, some tips like using energy-efficient appliances will save you year-round!
If you still struggle with your electric bill, know that you have ways to get help. You can ask your energy company about a payment plan if you've got a temporary setback. Other options may include charities and government programs for energy assistance.
Now that you know how to lower electric bills in winter, go check out our other posts for more great advice.
