The winter months bring lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also do a number on your wallet. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy throughout harsh weather, many Haines City families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Haines City 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 during hours 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 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.
Don’t do laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will save you 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, keep in mind: cleaning 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 places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to get lower utility bills is to switch out your older, 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 Haines City.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 a year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current system. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to do its job.
For more information on how you can achieve lower utility bills this winter, give Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Haines City a call at 863-216-2923.