The winter season brings tons of fun activities and events, but it can also impact your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many West Columbia families have high energy bills. Luckily, there are easy ways to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. in West Columbia 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 at times 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 reduce the temperature 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help save 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, 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 determine the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
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 letting in unwanted cold air. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. to find out more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to get lower utility bills is to switch out your older, less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in West Columbia.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money yearly 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 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 achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. in West Columbia a call at 803-265-4208.