10 Ways You Can Save On Utility Bills This Winter

10 Ways to Save on Heating Bills This Winter

Living in Western NC, heating and utility bills can put a strain on your budget during the winter months. But there are some easy ways you can cut costs without sacrificing comfort.

Here are 10 tips to help you save on your utility bills this winter no matter where you live.

1. Get a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save money by automating your heating schedule. You can set it to turn down the heat when you’re away from home or asleep, and back up to a comfortable temperature before you wake up or come home.
2. Don’t heat unused rooms. If you have rooms in your home that you don’t use often, close the vents or doors to those rooms so that you’re not wasting heat in them.
3. Let the sunlight in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to let the sunlight in. The sun will help warm up your home naturally, and you won’t have to use as much energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
4. Dress warmly indoors. Instead of turning up the heat, dress warmly indoors with sweaters, socks, and slippers. This will help you stay comfortable while using less energy.
5. Get an annual tune-up for your furnace. The technician will check everything from filters to ensure that airflow isn’t being restricted anywhere along its path through your home.
6. Use space heaters wisely. Space heaters can be a great way to supplement your heating, but they should be used wisely. Only use them in the room you’re occupying at the time, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
7. Lower the temperature on your water heater. You can save money by reducing the temperature of your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lower your water heating costs by 6% – 10%.
8. Check for drafts and seal them up. One of the biggest causes of wasted energy is drafts coming into your home through cracks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these cracks and prevent drafts from coming in.
9. Make sure all pipes leading outside have proper insulation around them.
10. Only run full loads of laundry. When doing laundry, only run full loads of clothes. Remember, washing partial loads uses just as much water and energy as washing a full load. You can also save energy by air-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer.

We hope these tips will help you save on your utility bills while keeping you cozy and comfortable. Give them a try and see how much money is saved!