The cold season brings lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your budget. From holiday lights to staying warm during harsh weather, many Pella families are left with high energy costs. Luckily, there are easy ways to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating in Pella came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can run full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, keep in mind: 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 see the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can explain how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting in unwanted cold air. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways to achieve lower utility bills is to switch out your older, less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Pella.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 every year 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. 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating in Pella a call at 641-628-3621.