The cold season brings lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also do a number on your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home in the middle of harsh weather, many Ballwin and St. Charles families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Air Alliance Team in Ballwin and St. Charles created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set 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.
Don’t do laundry until you can do full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, remember: cleaning 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 areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can explain how to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Air Alliance Team to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to achieve 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 last up to 40 holiday seasons in Ballwin and St. Charles.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars every year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current furnace. An easy 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 Alliance Team in Ballwin and St. Charles a call at 636-206-4250.