The winter months bring lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy throughout harsh weather, many the Rio Grande Valley families are left with high energy expenses. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. in the Rio Grande Valley 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 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 decrease 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.
Put off doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, remember: 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 places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can explain how to save on energy expenses, 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 many areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways 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, these energy efficient lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in the Rio Grande Valley.
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 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current furnace. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to operate.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. in the Rio Grande Valley a call at 956-630-3522.