Winter Energy Savings Tips

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, many homeowners notice an increase in their energy bills. While we all need energy to heat our homes, understanding how seasonality affects our energy usage can empower us to make smarter choices. Here are some tips to help you reduce your home’s energy bills this winter.

1. Optimize your heating schedule.

Lowering your thermostat during the day and at night can lead to savings. The U.S. Department of Energy advises, “you can save as much as 10 percent per year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back seven to 10° for eight hours a day from its normal setting.” Using a smart thermostat can help ensure comfort without using a surplus of energy. You can program it to lower the temperature while you are away or sleeping and then raise it before you return home. Wearing warmer clothing instead of raising the heat can also help you stay comfortable while saving money.

2. Close doors and vents of unused rooms.
   

Do you have a room in your home that you do not spend much time in, such as a guest room or a storage room? If you are heating a room that is unused, you are wasting energy and money. Close the vents and doors of the rooms that no one goes in. When guests come to visit, you can simply open the vents again for their stay.

3. Close your fireplace damper when not in use.
   

A lit fire in your fireplace is a cozy way to warm your home in winter, but it can allow cold air to sneak in when not in use. Keep your damper closed whenever you aren’t using your fireplace, as heat can escape up the chimney if you forget to close the damper. If you do not use your fireplace, you can plug and seal the chimney flue.

4. Adjust your water heater’s temperature.

Hot water heaters can be a source of wasted energy in your home. Since water heaters are always on, decreasing the temperature by just a few degrees can save you money in the long run. Setting your water heater to 120° provides plenty of hot water and will help you save energy. Consider adding a hot water heater blanket to improve insulation and reduce energy loss.

5. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry.

Always run full loads in your washer and dryer whenever possible to maximize efficiency. Your washer and dryer will use about the same amount of energy no matter the size of the load, so it is better to fill it up. Also, wash with cold water. Over 80 percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half, and using cold water will save even more. Lastly, use lower heat settings in the dryer. Even if the drying cycle is longer, you’ll use less energy and be less likely to over-dry your clothes. By adopting these practices, it can add up to savings.

6. Unplug devices not in use.
   

From countertop appliances to phone chargers, there are probably devices not currently in use that are plugged in across your home. Unplugging these devices has the potential to save you money and energy, as well as increase the life of your belongings. The more items you have plugged in around the house, the more susceptible your devices are to damage through an unexpected power surge. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save anywhere between $100 and $200 each year by unplugging devices not in use.

7. Upgrade your lighting with LED bulbs.

The type of lightbulb you use is important for several reasons. Making the switch to LED bulbs will help save energy during winter and all throughout the year. LED bulbs are one of the most energy-efficient light sources available, as they use 75% less energy than standard incandescent lights and last 25 times longer. Savings will multiply as you change out the old bulbs for LED bulbs in your home.

8. Weatherstripping your doors and windows.

Sealing out drafts is crucial for reducing energy waste. Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. Check the weather stripping and seals around your windows and exterior doors and re-seal the air leaks. Be sure to check your attic and basement, as they often hide the worst air leaks, and add more insulation as needed. Adding door sweeps and using draft stoppers can also help keep the cold air out.

9. Close your curtains.

One of the easiest ways to combat the cold temps and help ease the work of your HVAC system is to utilize insulated window treatments. When the sun is shining through the windows, open the drapes to allow the sun to help add heat to your home. Likewise, at night or when there is no sun, close the drapes to help insulate your windows and keep the cold at bay.

10. Use ceiling fans to circulate heat.

Your ceiling fans can help warm the room in the winter. Ceiling fans generally rotate counterclockwise, pushing cool air down during the warmer months. However, most ceiling fans have a reverse switch. By reversing the fan’s direction, it creates an updraft, moving the hot air that gathers near your ceiling and then circulating it back into the room. While this does not raise the temperature directly, it helps to spread the warm air around, making your heating system work more efficiently.

Saving energy and money all year round.

While many of these tips will help you lower your energy usage to save you money during the colder months, we can improve our efficiencies and control our energy spend all year round. For example, if you are not on a fixed-rate plan for your home’s energy supply, you may be paying more for the energy that you use. In deregulated states, you can choose an energy supply provider like AEP Energy to help you lower your energy bills and lock you into a convenient rate. To learn more, click here.

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