Utility bills rise at certain times of the year, which can be overwhelming and costly if you’re not well-prepared. Nationwide energy surveys indicate that summer and winter are the typical periods when there’s a spike in utility bills. Although energy bills are expected to fall by 16% this year, knowing how to save money in these crucial times will be helpful. Here are some simple ways to do so and stay warm this winter.
Optimise your heating system
Many households are heavily dependent on their home’s heating system during the winter. However, considering that utility bills dramatically increase during this season, paying attention to your heating system will be prudent. You can start now by scheduling regular maintenance to replace air filters, check for leaks, and have a professional inspection of your furnace or heat pump. These measures will help ensure efficiency while reducing your energy consumption in chilly weather. Remember to check for draughts around your doors and windows and use caulk or weatherstrip to help keep the warmth indoors. This measure looks simple but can save you a lot of money during the winter months. The next step is to turn your attention to your thermostat or invest in a programmable type. That way, it can lower the temperature even when you’re away from home or asleep.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Old appliances consume more electricity than newer models because the latter are developed with energy-efficient features and new-age technology. Therefore, it will be a good idea to invest in appliances certified with the EU Energy label. These certifications do more than reduce your home’s energy consumption. Reports show that appliances with these labels qualify for rebates and incentives, which is excellent news for end users. It helps to know where to find quality energy-efficient electrical products you can trust. In that regard, consider shopping smart with suppliers like Meteor Electrical, electrical wholesaler, for a variety of energy-efficient products. Now more than ever, households have bought into the idea of power strips as a measure against phantom load. Standby power contributes to your high utility bills, so knowing about it this winter can save you money.
Harness natural heat
This step is one of the cheapest ways to save money on your utility bills this winter. Remember to open your curtains during the day to allow sunlight to stream in, but there is a way to do so for maximum results. You will trap more useful heat for your indoors when you open curtains and blinds on your south-facing windows. If your curtains are thick enough, they can act as insulation at night against cold draughts. Also, positioning your decor and furniture near windows can absorb heat. Energy experts refer to this as passive solar heating because they absorb and retain heat that will be useful at night. Households that use blankets and rugs on cold floors vouch for their effectiveness.
Lastly, ensure your home is properly insulated and weatherproof to improve energy efficiency.
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