Seasonal heating costs can be high, especially if your system is old, inefficient, or in need of repair. However, there are some easy and effective ways you can reduce winter electric bills without giving up the comfort and warmth you need. Keep reading to discover 5 ways to cut your energy costs this winter.
1. Optimize Your Thermostat
Did you know that adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your heating costs? Even cutting your thermostat down by 7°-10°F for one 8-hour period of time can save you up to 10% every year on your winter electric bills, according to the Department of Energy.
Lowering your thermostat by the same amount for two 8-hour periods during can save you as much as 20%. Using a programmable or smart thermostat makes this easier by allowing you to automate temperature changes based on your daily routine.
2. Seal Drafts Around Your Home
Cracks around your windows and doors that let drafts in can increase the cost of your heating a lot by allowing warm air to leave and cold air to enter. However, this is luckily an easy and relatively inexpensive fix. You can use weather stripping or caulk from your local hardware store to seal cracks and install door sweeps on outside doors to keep chilly air from seeping in.
Don’t forget to check the attic and basement for holes or gaps in your insulation that need to be filled. You might also want to consider using thermal curtains or window films to provide even more protection between your space and be frigid outdoors. By sealing drafts effectively, you can reduce strain on your heating system and keep your space comfortable without spending an arm and a leg on your electric bills.
3. Keep Your Heating System in Good Condition
When your heating system is dirty or in need of repair, it uses more electricity to produce the same amount of heat as it did before. For example, clogged filters restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, which increases your energy bills over time. That makes good maintenance imperative for keeping your system in working order and your costs low.
Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep sudden breakdowns at bay and extend the lifespan of your heating system. An annual inspection can identify potential issues early before they become costly repairs and make sure your system is running at peak efficiency. Ideally, you should have your maintenance appointment in the fall before the heating season.
4. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
When the sun shines in your windows, it causes the temperature inside your space to increase. This is called solar heat gain. In the summer, it’s best to try to deflect the sun’s rays away from your windows to prevent the extra warmth from competing with your air conditioning.
But in the winter, you can use this free heating to your advantage by opening the curtains on windows that the sun is shining through. Just make sure you are closing them when the sun goes down to eliminate the potential for heat loss.
5. Switch to Ductless HVAC
If your system is older, you might want to consider upgrading to a ductless mini-split to keep heating expenses down and provide efficient cooling in the summer too. Not only are heat pumps highly energy-efficient and can save you as much as 30% on your electric bills, they also offer the ability to create individually-controlled temperature zones.
Instead of setting one temperature for your entire home or office like with a central HVAC system, you can program each mini-split to operate at a different temp or speed according to your preferences. Plus, we can help you apply for a Mass Save rebate that can give you thousands of dollars back on a new ductless installation.
Get Affordable Heating with Cape Cod Heat Pumps
If you’re looking to get affordable, energy-efficient heating for your home or business, Cape Cod Heat Pumps has you covered. We can help you reduce your winter heating bills without compromising your comfort, so you never have to worry about being cold or having high electric expenses. Reach out to us today to learn more about your options or to schedule a ductless installation quote by calling 508-833-4822 or using our online contact form to send us a quick message.