The winter months bring a bunch of exciting activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your wallet. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home during harsh weather, many Mount Pleasant families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Olde Towne Heating & Air in Mount Pleasant put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program 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 lower 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 run full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, remember: 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 find the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to get lower utility bills is to switch out your 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 Mount Pleasant.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money every year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current system. 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 reduce your utility bills this winter, give Olde Towne Heating & Air in Mount Pleasant a call at 843-485-0967.