During winter, your electricity bill can climb as quickly as the temperature drops. If you practice a few energy-saving techniques, though, you may be able to keep more money in your pocket—and take it a little easier on our planet at the same time. All you have to do is make sure your home is in the best shape to face the freezing weather.

Upgrade Your Furnace

If you have an older furnace in your home, you could be losing money every time you use it. According to Brennan’s HVAC, this happens because old furnaces just aren’t as fuel-efficient as newer models. On top of that, their parts don’t function as efficiently and so you burn more energy just to get appreciable use out of the motor, fan, and blower.

You can avoid this by upgrading to a newer model. While it’s a significant outlay, it saves money and energy, and you’ll be cozier and more comfortable throughout those winter months.

Check on Your Windows

Where your windows are concerned, it’s possible to lose even more energy if they’re not properly insulated. According to Popular Mechanics, the best way to deal with drafty windows include applying caulk as well as weatherstripping. There are different types of weather stripping that you can use, but there are also weather insulation kits that you may find useful.

If you ensure your windows are clean and unobstructed, you can also take advantage of the sun’s warming effects. Make sure to open up your curtains at the brighter times of day to let the sun in. It can also be helpful to paint your walls a light color that will reflect light instead of absorbing it. Doing these small things consistently can make a difference in your electricity bill.

Last but not least, if you notice any cracks or damage to the window glass, then hire someone you can trust to replace them. Although it’s possible to repair some of the damage yourself, saving up the cash and getting them replaced will ensure a minor problem doesn’t become a
major issue.

Create Warm Spaces

If you only spend time in certain rooms, then it might not be energy efficient to heat the entire house. As long as you can do safely, you can use space heaters in small, popular rooms. According to Networx, you can choose an electric space heater as long as you use it for small areas and set your thermostat at a low temperature like 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That way your furnace isn’t heating the whole house while you’re really just using one area.

When you’re choosing the best space heater for your purpose, be sure to do your research. They may vary in size as well as their features so you have quite a few options. You should also make sure to familiarize yourself with the safety requirements of the space heater you’d like to purchase. Wearing warm clothing inside can also cut down on your need to heat your house as aggressively.

Think Smart

The right technology can help you make your home more energy-efficient and as a result, keep your costs in check. One of the devices that may interest you is a smart thermostat. The advantage of using smart thermostats include not needing to schedule your usage or make changes every time your house’s temperature changes. Generally, these thermostats will also have an app through which you can control it remotely and track your usage over time.

When you’re shopping around for a smart thermostat, you should look for user reviews online. Some of them are easy to use or install while others may require that you get in touch with a professional. Torrey’s Peak Mechanical notes the installation cost can vary because you will normally be charged by the hour, although Best Buy offers a flat rate of $99.99.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your energy bills from climbing during this winter season, the trick lies in controlling your energy usage. Make sure you check on your windows and furnace so they’re not burning through your money. You’ll be cozy and comfortable, and it’ll warm your heart to know you’re using less energy and being kinder to our planet!

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash