Dreaming of a white Christmas, but having nightmares about the heating bills that come along with the chilly weather? You’re not alone! While the EIA is predicting slightly lower energy bills this winter (homes heating primarily with natural gas will average a total of $649 this winter, a $31 decline from last winter’s average, while homes heating primarily with electric heat are expected to spend $938 ($17 less), many Americans feel overwhelmed by their utility costs each winter. However, there are easy ways to reduce the impact when the temperature drops. Here are four practical tips for reducing your utility bills this season.
Keep Home Insulation up to Code
Just as you wear a coat to keep warm in the winter, your home employs the same defense using insulation. A well insulated home can save you 20% to 30% on your heating bill, so the upgrade pays for itself in a short amount of time. Seal off any leaky ducts, and then install an earth-friendly installation — preferably one treated to repel fire and insects to maximize the benefits. You’ll feel cozy and comfortable; and your wallet will surely thank you.
Program the Thermostat
Consider the amount of time you spend in and out of your home each day. If you work a full-time job, that’s roughly eight hours you’re out of the house. Additionally, since it’s recommended that you keep temperatures cooler at bedtime, go ahead and factor in another eight hours for sleep. Just crunching these simple numbers can set you on the path to a more affordable heating bill.
Instead of leaving your home at a constant temperature, start programming your thermostat to cut back on the heat when you’re away (or asleep!) and bring it back up when you’re back at home. This ensures you’re not paying for heating that no one uses. If you don’t have the option to program your thermostat, start keeping reminders to turn it down when you’re leaving the house.
Watch the Windows
A simple upgrade can keep you from throwing heat right out the window. Single-pane windows allow heat to escape, while their double-pane counterparts trap heat and lead to less wasted energy. The initial cost can be somewhat high depending on the number of windows in your home, but the lifetime savings are worth the investment. If the full upgrade doesn’t fit into your budget right now, a layer of plastic sheeting affixed to unused windows can help reduce costs in the meantime.
Balanced Billing
Since energy costs can fluctuate greatly throughout the year along with the weather changes, many utility companies will agree to let you to distribute your average energy costs evenly over each month. This keeps bills lower in high usage months and allows you to budget more effectively for energy costs. Check with your provider to see if they offer such a service, and get signed up to start balancing your bills.
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