The winter months bring tons of fun activities and events, but it can also do a number on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Tucker families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning in Tucker created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output during hours when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is consumed 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 have enough for 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 you have to anyway, right? And, don’t forget: clearing 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 see the places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC 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 on doors and windows. Contact ACS Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to achieve lower utility bills is to switch out your older 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 nearly 40 holiday seasons in Tucker.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, consider 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 maintenance visit for your current equipment. 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 reduce your utility bills this winter, give ACS Heating and Air Conditioning in Tucker a call at 770-450-1539.