We are in prime winter time, and most of us dread the gas and energy bills that come after the cold months. You need more energy in the winter, there’s no denying that. However, there are certain things you can do to cut the extreme costs of your energy bill during the winter. The CGS Team is sharing 4 tips to help you lower your energy bill amount, even in the cold!
Crank it Down, and Bundle Up
In the winter, turn your thermostat down an extra 2 degrees. Your house is likely already around 68-70 degrees, so turn it down a few notches and put a sweater on. You can save up to an extra $180 a year by simply reducing the temperature by 2 degrees.
Use a Space Heater
Instead of letting your thermostat and furnace do all of the heavy lifting, consider a space heater. For a good price, you can get a small, portable heater that will surely warm up any room it’s in. Most heaters allow you to adjust the temperature settings as well, allowing for the perfect temperature in any room. Keep it on the lowest heat setting when possible. We recommend the Vornado Personal Space Heater ($29.99) or the Lasko Ceramic Heater ($22).
Clean Up
Did you know that cleaning the filter in your furnace every two months can increase its efficiency by 50%? Every 2-3 months, make it a point to replace your air filters, clean your furnace filter, and wipe down the condenser coil attached to your refrigerate (if you’ve never done this, you are in for a dusty surprise)! If you live in an apartment complex, ask the landlord when the last time the filters have been replaced, and request a cleaning or filter replacement.
Watch Your Timing
Running your dishwasher and doing the laundry are consistent tasks, however you could be spending more on your energy bill by doing it at the wrong times! Most people don’t realize that doing electric-heavy tasks (like laundry or running the dishwasher) before 7 am or after 10 pm can hugely reduce your energy use and costs. In fact, some cities now raise electricity rates in “prime time” hours like 10 am-7 pm. Wait until after hours to run your appliances, and you will see a huge decrease in your bill.
Related: How to Get One Month Ahead on Bills
As we mentioned earlier, your energy bill will always be highest in the coldest and hottest months of the year, but you can do things to reduce that bill one way or another! How high do your energy bills spike in the winter? What do you do to keep those bills as low as possible? Post a reply comment below to share your thoughts and advice!
1 thought on “4 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill”
There is one additional tip that I have done to lower my energy bill for the last six years. You can switch to a different energy supplier that offers lower rates and a free energy incentive. This can be done very quick and easy for no cost and nothing changes in your service.