The cold season brings lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also do a number on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy in the middle of harsh weather, many Macon families have high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Air Temperature Control in Macon put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change 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 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can do full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, keep in mind: 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 determine the places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Air Temperature Control to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way 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, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Macon.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money every year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current equipment. A simple 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 lower your utility bills this winter, give Air Temperature Control in Macon a call at 478-202-3170.