The winter 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 Pflugerville families experience high energy costs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning in Pflugerville created 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 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 have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat required 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 see the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you ways to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
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 letting in unwanted cold air. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to achieve lower utility bills is to switch out your older holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Pflugerville.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current system. 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 Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning in Pflugerville a call at 512-355-1482.