The cold season brings a bunch of fun activities and events, but it can also impact your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy throughout harsh weather, many Kutztown and Breinigsville families have high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Moyer Total Indoor Comfort in Kutztown and Breinigsville 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 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.
Don’t do laundry until you can run full loads. This will help save money on water heating, water usage and on heat needed 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 find 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 the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number 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 on doors and windows. Contact Moyer Total Indoor Comfort to find out 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 nearly 40 holiday seasons in Kutztown and Breinigsville.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a routine maintenance 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 Moyer Total Indoor Comfort in Kutztown and Breinigsville a call at 484-646-3363.