The winter season brings lots of fun activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy in the middle of harsh weather, many Moline families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at J.L. Brady Company LLC in Moline put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output during hours 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 reduce the temperature 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 have enough for full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, don’t forget: 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 places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you how to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact J.L. Brady Company LLC to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to receive 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 Moline.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money 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 equipment. A quick tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to work.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give J.L. Brady Company LLC in Moline a call at 309-517-7511.