The dead of winter and middle of the summer are the two most expensive times of the year when it comes to energy bills. The cooling bill in the summer and heating bill in the winter can be sources of major financial stress for a lot of homeowners—but they don’t have to be. This post will cover a few of our winter tips for decreasing electric bills in Raleigh, NC.
Adjust the thermostat
Turning the heat all the way up is a great way to keep yourself nice and toasty, but it’s also very expensive! You could reduce your electric bill by 10 percent by lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees. And when you get chilly, put on a sweater instead of cranking up the heat!
Install storm windows
Old windows allow warm indoor air to slip out and cold outdoor winds to come in. Not only does this create an uncomfortable environment, but it also increases your energy bills. Upgrading your windows is a top way to stop this from happening, but that’s also very costly. Instead, put up storm windows that add an extra layer of protection without breaking the bank.
Utilize sunlight
Be sure to open up your blinds or curtains when the sun is shining. Using the sun’s rays is an easy way to help warm your home without turning on your furnace. Just be sure to close the blinds again at night to keep heat inside.
Change your filters
One of our easiest tips on how to lower your electric bill in winter in Raleigh, NC is to check and change your HVAC filters on a regular basis. Dirty filters make your heater work harder than it has to, increasing your energy bill and reducing its effectiveness. Check your owner’s manual, but most filters should be changed monthly.
Update your lights
If you haven’t already, now is the ideal time to ditch your old incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LED bulbs use 75 percent less electricity and last 25 times longer than their older counterparts. Plus, LEDs are getting less expensive to purchase with each passing year.
Unplug unused electronics
Computers and TVs are among the devices that use electricity even when they’re turned off. They can increase bills by $100 per year! One of the best winter tips for decreasing electric bills in Raleigh, NC is to unplug these devices when you’re not using them. You could also purchase a surge protector to fully turn these devices off with the flip of a button.
Adjust your water heater
We all like a nice hot shower on a cold winter day—but at what cost? Most water heaters should be set to 120 degrees. If yours is set higher, lower the temperature to decrease your monthly electric bill.
Call us if your bill is still high
Following all of our tips on how to lower electric bill in winter in Raleigh, NC should work, but if your monthly statement is still too high, call our pros at Box Electric Company. We’ll perform an inspection to see if rewiring your home could help drastically reduce your bills.