Homeowner tips

Winter energy savings tips to lower utility bills

Don’t let the cooler weather heat up your utility bills

Winter is here.  Now more than ever we're spending more time at home.  That makes this season an ideal time to review energy usage and find ways to save while still keeping your family comfy and cozy. The winter energy savings tips below will help you cut your utility bills during the cold months ahead.

Let your Sensi smart thermostat work for you

Did you know, the easiest way to cut energy costs is with a programmable thermostat? In order to maximize your savings, be sure to utilize all of the energy-saving features available with your Sensi smart thermostat including:

1. Flexible scheduling - set up custom schedules to maximize your savings while maintaining comfort at home 
2. Take advantage of all the features in your Sensi app
3. Smart alerts let you know when your HVAC system needs attention
4. Geofencing auto adjusts your thermostat when you're away from home  

Learn more about programming your Sensi thermostat for maximum energy savings.

Protect your equipment

For optimal energy savings, your heating and cooling equipment should be well maintained. Replace the furnace filter once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, increasing energy usage and costs. Schedule regular fall and spring maintenance with your HVAC contractor. If you don't have a contractor you can find one here.

Conserve hot water

Shorten your shower time to help reduce your hot water consumption. By cutting your showers in half, you can save up to 33% on your water heating costs. For increased savings, install low-flow shower heads and faucets to save an additional 10-16% annually. Also, while that bathroom fan is great for removing humidity, turn it off as soon as you can because these fans can blow out all of the previous heat that you’re working so hard to conserve. Finally, check for leaky faucets and toilets that fail to shut off properly. Those small drips can add up over time.

Let in the sunshine 

Sunshine is the original (and free) heat and energy source. Open your curtains or shutters on your south-facing windows during sunny winter days to let the natural sunlight heat up your home. You can also turn down your thermostat a few degrees on these days for additional energy savings. When the sun sets at night, close those curtains to insulate your home and seal in the heat. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. Not only do they save energy, they last three times longer than traditional light bulbs.

Bundle up at home

Warm blankets and comfy clothing are your first defense in combating the cold. Dressing in layers is a simple and free way to saving energy and lowering utility costs. Also, try rearranging your room so your seating is by interior walls. They tend to be less drafty than those next to windows on exterior walls. Speaking of drafts, take a quick home audit to find energy leaks that are costing you money then learn about interior design tips to maximize your energy savings.

Staying warm and comfortable during severe winter weather doesn’t have to mean high utility bills. Use these winter energy savings tips to increase efficiency, freeze that heating bill and use that extra money to plan for your summer vacation.