Winter’s coming! It’s not just a Game of Thrones saying- it’s around the corner. With Christmas and New Year’s events causing a noticeable increase in spending, it’s essential to know the best winter energy-saving tips.
Here are some little-known, yet impactful, ways to save big this winter.
5) Utilizing Daylight
The sun is the most significant source of energy that we have, and yet many people don’t take advantage of it. We’re not just talking about solar power, but also daylight. One easy way to save money and stay warm throughout the winter is to rely on indoor lighting less and utilize daylight for as long as possible.
This means opening those windows and letting the sunlight in! Not only will you illuminate your life with natural light (great for selfies!), but you’ll also save a bit on the energy bill.
4) Regulating Thermostat Usage
One easy way to increase the heating bill in the winter months is to set the thermostat to a very high temperature. The most comfortable temperature for indoor air is around 68 degrees, and setting the thermostat at any temperature higher than the 60–70 range can cost you 5% extra for each degree on your heating bill.
Save money by setting your heating system to a maximum temperature of 70. If you’re living in a 2-story home, remember that heat rises. This means that you can take advantage of it by having your bottom floor be about 2 degrees higher than your top floor. The dynamics of cool and hot air will blend to create the coziest temperature while keeping money in your pocket.
Another way to ensure you’re getting the most out of the heat in your home is to run your ceiling fans, if you have them. It might seem odd, but running them clockwise at a low speed during the winter will help circulate warm air throughout the room.
3) Regulating Hot Water Usage
Everybody loves a long, hot shower, especially after a tough day. However, even though those moments may be relaxing, they are costing you dollars.
Approximately 2/3rds of your water heating costs come from showers. This is particularly pronounced when a large number of people reside in your home. Taking shorter showers will save you up to 33%.
During the holiday season, you may be hosting relatives or perhaps be a guest for an extended period. Either way, it’s good to keep this in mind so that you can save yourself a dime or give your host a gift by keeping your showers brief.
Another tip to save on water heating costs is to use cold water whenever possible when doing laundry. This will reduce your washer’s energy use by up to 75%!
2) Regulate Energy Use
Everybody is guilty of leaving lights on at some point or another. Those lights, no matter how small, gradually add up on the energy bill. To pinch for as many pennies as possible, you’ll need to be on top of making sure unused lights are turned off.
The same can be said for computers and video game systems. Both devices have sleep modes that conserve energy when they aren’t in use. While convenient, due to faster booting, they still consume power. If you aren’t planning to use it within minutes, turn it off completely to save energy and maximize your savings.
1) Replace Your Filters
The number one biggest secret to saving big this winter is consistently changing your furnace filters! Changing your filter every month may seem like a minor task, but it can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Furnace filters aren’t just for keeping your air clean; they also protect your HVAC system. Furnace filters are typically installed at the air intake point before the air is redispersed into your home. When a filter is replaced frequently, it ensures your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to pull in air, which conserves energy. Additionally, it protects the essential system elements from dust and debris, helping to prevent costly HVAC repairs or premature system breakdowns.
We recommend purchasing high-quality pleated filters for your heating and cooling system. Well-made pleated filters can last twice as long as a fiberglass filter. Although you may save upfront, fiberglass filters require more frequent changes, resulting in higher costs over time.
Don’t Forget: Check Your Filters Regularly
You can have the best filter on the market, but if you don’t check it and replace it regularly, it could be doing more harm than good.
As the filter traps lint, pollen, dust, and other particles, it starts to block airflow. When airflow becomes restricted, your heating system must work harder, and it will take longer to warm your home. You may not notice this at first, but when you receive your energy bill, it will.
Not sure when the right time is to change your furnace filter? Make a habit of checking it every month, and if it’s dirty, replace it. The recommended change interval for the average household with a 1-inch filter is replacing it every 1 to 3 months.
This simple task protects your wallet but also extends the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment.
We understand that the busyness of life causes us to forget to change our filters. A pleated filter works better because of its design. This gives you some extra time to remember to make the change.
A clean filter will keep your HVAC system running optimally, reducing electric bills and conserving energy.
Bonus Tip: Make Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Want to take your savings even further? Consider making energy-efficient upgrades around your home. For example:
- Sealing air leaks around drafty windows and doors
- Improve insulation
- Install a smart thermostat
- Switch to LED bulbs in lamps and light fixtures
- Replace old or broken appliances with energy-efficient, Energy Star models
These simple tasks are an effective way to help prevent heat loss and lower your bills. Not only will these updates help you stay warm during the colder months, but they will also enhance your overall experience. Many of them also offer rebates, tax credits, or other incentives. This makes it easier and cheaper to invest in long-term savings.
If you want to save money by changing your filters but struggle to remember, our Home Filter Club Program can help. Enrolling in the program is a simple, three-step process. Sign up, choose your delivery option, and then sit back and relax while we get to work!
Additional Ways to Save on Energy
Numerous programs, incentives, and resources are available to help homeowners, renters, and drivers reduce their energy costs. You just need to find them.
Research will help determine if there are any current clean energy tax credits or rebates available for upgrading appliances. Prioritizing this could help you save both in the short term and in the long run.
Utilize online energy savings hubs and informational guides to help you discover the most effective strategies for your household.
The costs we incur during the winter can add up quickly. Even though we can’t control the weather or changing prices, simple tasks can help you save money. Swapping out filters and adjusting your thermostat are easy ways to lower your energy bill, ensuring guaranteed savings.
If you need assistance finding the right filter for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team. We’re happy to help! The Filters Fast support phone number is 866-438-3458. Alternatively, you can reach us at any time at [email protected].
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