We are deep into winter here in Edmonton and chances are your energy bill has started to see the effects. Colder temperatures, longer nights, and the holiday season are keeping people inside more, cooking at home, and turning up the heat. The good news is that it’s never too late to reduce your winter energy bill! While expensive home upgrades may be the first thing that comes to mind, even in the middle of winter you can still reduce your energy bill with these cheap and easy tips.Use the sun for free heat. When the sun is beaming in, open the drapes. At night, or when it is not sunny, close them to keep the heat in.
- Use the sun for free heat. When the sun is beaming in, open the drapes. At night, or when it is not sunny, close them to keep the heat in.
- Use space heaters in areas that tend to be cooler.
- Use a programmable thermostat.
- Turn down the thermostat at night and when no one is home during the day. Did you know that you can save up to 5% on heating costs for every degree you drop your thermostat in the 60-70 degree range!
- Keep your furnace cleaned and unblocked.
- Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use ceiling fans to your advantage by using the reverse setting to keep heat from rising and hovering near the ceiling.
- Bundle up! Keep your heat at low setting and add cozy layers and blankets while indoors.
- Upgrade older appliances.
- Add additional insulation.
- Add weatherstripping to windows and doors to seal out drafts.
- Regularly change furnace filters.
- Turn off unused electronics and small appliances.
- Only heat the rooms you use.
- Replace conventional lightbulbs with LEDs.
- Install window film on the outside of windows to reduce heat loss. This will also help to more efficiently cool your home in the warm summer months too!
- Close the damper when you are not using your fireplace.
- When using your fireplace, turn your thermostat down to 60 degrees F or cooler.
- Insulate your hot water heater by wrapping it in an insulating jacket. This helps to keep heat from escaping, making it easier for it to efficiently heat water.
- Insulate the basement. Did you know that up to 30% of a home’s heat loss can be due to an uninsulated basement!
- Seal and insulate around electrical outlets.
- Insulate the attic access door.
- Clean registers and make sure they are not being blocked by furniture, rugs or drapery.
- Lock doors and windows. When doors and windows are locked, it creates an added seal preventing warm air from escaping.
- Minimize the use of kitchen and bathroom fans. When overused, they also suck out the heated air from your home.
After the holidays, it is always nice to be able to save a little money. These simple tips will make your home more efficient, and decrease your home’s energy bills in winters to come. Keeping your appliances maintained and working properly is the key to making sure they stay as energy efficient as possible. If you are noticing a spike in your energy bills this winter, contact Always Plumbing & Heating for an inspection. Call 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an appointment today!
