The cold season brings a bunch of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also impact your pocketbook. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Arlington families experience high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning in Arlington put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output during hours when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is required when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and decrease to 55-65 degrees at times when you’re away at work, out of town or sleeping to achieve lower utility bills.
2. Make sure you only wash when you have full loads.
Don’t do laundry until you can run full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, remember: cleaning out the lint trap after every load can save you up to $34 a year, according to PG&E.
3. Conduct a home energy audit.
A home energy audit can help you find the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your older, less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in Arlington.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars yearly on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current equipment. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can reduce your utility bills this winter, give Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning in Arlington a call at 360-255-5857.