It’s almost that time of year when the seasons change, it started to cool down, and you start to feel the crunch on your wallet and – just because of holiday shopping. It is difficult to turn up the heat without feeling like you’re going into debt, so here are some ways to save energy during this winter season!
Switch Energy Plans
Most energy plans have “peak” or energy-intensive timeframes, and energy rates can be much higher during these periods. So if your energy plan has a peak period (usually between 5pm to 11pm), try switching energy plans that don’t have these peak times to help reduce energy costs.
Energy Outlet can help you compare electricity plans to find the best options with the lowest energy rates.
Turn Down the Heat
Turn the thermostat one or two degrees lower and wear warmer clothing. This might not seem like such a huge difference but it does help! Also, enjoy some of those colder activities with your family members – go sledding or build a snowman!
Make sure that all of your heaters are off when they’re not being used, especially if the heater is electric. Don’t let them run for just one room or two rooms; keep them on for the whole house or none at all. Also, check your energy settings on your thermostats; make sure that they do not automatically turn back on after a short amount of time.
Turn the Thermostat Down When You Sleep
You don’t need it to be all the way up to 70 degrees while you sleep at night. Heaters use energy and energy costs money, so if you keep your energy use low but comfortable – you’ll save energy and cash!
You can also put a timer in your thermostat so it can automatically adjust for optimal temperature based on what time it is. This will help make sure you don’t waste money on heating or cooling when you are asleep or when your home is empty.
Make Sure You Aren’t Letting Heat Out
Seal any cracks with caulking or weather stripping around doors, windows, and baseboards. These will help keep air from escaping through these places where cold air might sneak in under doorways or around windowsills.
Check your insulation by looking at your energy bill and see how much energy is being used in specific places. Look to see if there are ways that you can improve insulation or energy efficiency in these places. For example, if one room is using a lot of energy, look into adding more insulation around window frames, energy-efficient light bulbs, and other cost-effective improvements
Remember the first step to saving energy is knowing where it’s going! Once you know your energy consumption habits you can make plans for reducing energy use.
