The winter months bring tons of fun activities and events, but it can also impact your wallet. From holiday lights to staying warm during harsh weather, many Cape Coral families experience high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Comfort Zone, LLC in Cape Coral 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 at times when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is consumed when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and reduce the temperature 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 have enough for 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 you have to anyway, right? And, remember: clearing 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 determine the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Comfort Zone, LLC to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest 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 energy efficient lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Cape Coral.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, 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 Comfort Zone, LLC in Cape Coral a call at 239-214-0411.