Winter is right around the corner, and as the temperature drops, many people start to see their energy bills increasing.
But there are ways to save energy and cut your heating bill in the process; all you need are the right strategies.
So what, exactly, are those strategies?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined energy saving tips to cut your heating bills this winter, including:
- Program your thermostat. According to the article, for every degree you raise your thermostat in the winter, your fuel bill increases by 3%. So, if you want to cut costs, determine the lowest temperature you’re comfortable in, and then program your thermostat to stay at that temperature. If you spend long stretches of time outside the home, you can program your thermostat at an even lower temperature while you’re away for extra savings.
- Add insulation. Wrapping insulation around your pipes and your water heater will cut down on the time you have to wait for hot water, as the insulation minimizes the heat loss as water travels from the water heater, through your pipes, and to your faucets. This conserves water and can potentially add up to 10% savings on your total energy costs.
- Replace inefficient windows. Does your home have old windows? Consider switching to high-efficiency Energy Star double-pane windows. These windows have a protective coating that reflects heat back into your home, and could possibly reduce your heating costs by a whopping 15%, making them a solid long-term investment.