The winter months bring tons of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your wallet. From holiday lights to staying warm throughout harsh weather, many Zelienople families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Knoechel Heating Company in Zelienople created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output during hours 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can do full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, remember: cleaning out 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 see the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can explain how to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Knoechel Heating Company to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your older, less efficient 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 Zelienople.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 every year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current equipment. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Knoechel Heating Company in Zelienople a call at 724-425-5852.