The winter season brings a bunch of exciting activities and events, but it can also do a number on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many Murrieta 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 professionals at Cool Air Solutions in Murrieta put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output during hours 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 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.
Put off doing laundry until you can run full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, remember: cleaning 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 areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can explain how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are plenty of areas in your home that may be letting in unwanted cold air. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Cool Air Solutions to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way 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 up to 40 holiday seasons in Murrieta.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars a year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current system. 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 Cool Air Solutions in Murrieta a call at 951-299-9853.