Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill During Winter

During the months of winter, it is more than likely your energy bill will increase. Yet, there are many easy and practical ways to reduce your power usage and ultimately increase your homes energy efficiency.

Winter seemingly is harsher on our utility bills, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we allow it. While it is a good rule of thumb to always be striving for a more energy efficient home, it pays not to become complacent. Here are six simple ways to save an appreciable amount of money on heating costs, during winter.

First things first, if you currently are not utilizing a digital thermostat, you, in short, have less control over your heating's efficiency. The money invested in a digital unit will save you in the long run. Digital versions are more accurate, and the timer will assist you in mitigating how your power is being spent.

Some digital version thermostats can be confusing, but a few minutes fiddling with one is all it takes to become a "natural". Get into the practice of turning up the heat just enough to be comfortable, I personally never set my thermostat higher than 74 degrees.

Although, all central heating isn't created equally and may perform differently, use your best judgment. Also, if your home is sealed well of all air drafts, there is no reason to leave the heat on constantly. Program for it to turn on in intervals and be off in equal intervals, 50% in heating costs.

Any gaps in your window, beneath doors, and door frames should be insulated. I personally use garage door molding for all of my door gap insulation. However, practically anything at arms-reach in your home would do just fine. An old, rolled up towel seems to be a staple for impromptu insulation. But nothing will work better than the twin draft guards that were made to be a perfect fit for standard sized doors.

Take a few minutes and do a walk-around of your home checking for any leaks. Replace any window seal molding that has been cracked or damaged, or band-aid the problem with thermal tape, at the very least. Also, close doors and incoming heating vents to rooms that will be vacant. Also, a commercial twin draft guard can also be used to keep cigarette smoke in or out of a particular room.

In conjunction with your heater, the warmer your clothes are, the less heat you'll have to use, including a reduction in how high you'll have to set your thermostat. This should be a no-brainer. You might not have the most flattering or fashionable winter clothing, but this is about saving money, not fashion.

Simply wearing layers of clothing while keeping the thermostat down will have an immediate effect on your heating costs. An ego is never a useful tool for the goal of saving money. Hit an Old Navy, you can easily pick up fleece items for an amazing bargain.

Speaking of fleece, fleece blankets are wonderful for preserving body heat. Something as simple as warmer clothing and bedding will allow you more comfort in turning your heater down, or even off entirely.

Everyone in the household should be aware of what the current energy policy is in the home. Your energy budget will work better if everyone is on the same page. Everyone is susceptible to being an energy hog, but generally not as often as teenagers. Playing video games, surfing online, charging their smart phones, and watching copious amounts of television.

And most importantly, because they have no real appreciation for the one paying the power bill. Make sure there are clear cut rules for energy usage, especially using the bulk of energy usage after 10 p.m. Depending where you live, power cost can be as much as 400% cheaper after 8-10pm. These are significant savings, work this piece of knowledge into your power usage policy.

Winter months should be accompanied with meals and baked treats from the oven. This will help substantially warm a good portion of the house. After the oven is initially used for cooking and turned off, leave it open. The residual heat will last quite a good while and will go a decent way to reduce your reliance on your heater.

In the long run, saving you money. This will be a good excuse for more time with your family, cooking and baking together, staying warm in the kitchen/living room area, all the while saving much-needed money on your monthly electricity bill.

Take a quick look at your furnace and water heater. Is it working at its most optimal efficiency and at the proper settings? Make sure to clean or swap out entirely your filter that is in your furnace. With a less than pristine filter, you'll be hemorrhaging money, through an inefficient furnace. Make sure that your water heater is working properly and not turned up too high.

It might take some experimenting between comfort and savings, but it's much overlooked. Any way to maximize your energy is a worthwhile goal we should embrace and pass on to our children. If you have any further tips or ideas to share, I would be deeply humbled for your input. Thanks in advance, have a warm winter!

If you don't have or choose not to use central heating, then finding the right portable space heaters make great alternatives. Before making any purchases, one should definitely do a bit of research on suitable space heating units. Many factors should be taken into consideration, such as overall heating capability, energy efficiency, durability, and safety features. Feel free to share this article with friends or your social network!