The cold season brings a bunch of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also do a number on your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Fort Lauderdale families experience high energy costs. Luckily, there are easy ways to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Solar Air Inc. in Fort Lauderdale created 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 at times 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 reduce the temperature 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can do 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, don’t forget: 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 spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you ways to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of 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 Solar Air Inc. to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to receive 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 work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Fort Lauderdale.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money every year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current furnace. An easy 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 achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Solar Air Inc. in Fort Lauderdale a call at 954-320-7398.