The winter months bring tons of exciting activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to staying warm throughout harsh weather, many Port St. Lucie families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Custom Air Systems Inc in Port St. Lucie put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see 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 used 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.
Put off doing laundry until you can run full loads. This will help save money on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, don’t forget: 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 see the places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you ways to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Custom Air Systems Inc to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to receive lower utility bills is to switch out your 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 work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Port St. Lucie.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 a year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current system. A simple tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to do its job.
For more information on how you can achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Custom Air Systems Inc in Port St. Lucie a call at 772-247-2283.