The cold season brings tons of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home during harsh weather, many Hasbrouck Heights families experience high energy bills. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at ACE Solutions in Hasbrouck Heights put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see 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 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 help save 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, keep in mind: cleaning 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 excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save on energy expenses, 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 windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact ACE Solutions to find out more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways to receive 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 work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Hasbrouck Heights.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a 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 ACE Solutions in Hasbrouck Heights a call at 201-579-2562.