Winter often brings chilly temperatures and higher energy bills, and the strain on your wallet can be tough to handle. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered with these simple energy efficiency tips. They’ll help you stay toasty warm without burning a hole in your pocket, saving you energy and money all season long!
Tip #1 – Stop leaks, save big!
If you’re looking for big savings, it may shock you to start with this simple trick – sealing air leaks. According to the Department of Energy, homeowners in older or drafty homes can save more than 20% on their heating and cooling bills by completing this tip.
The DOE suggests you detect air leaks first and assess your ventilation needs to maximize your savings. But you should note: air leaks can happen in many places inside and outside your home. Inside, you may find air leaks around:
- Electrical outlets
- Switch plates
- Door and window frames
- Baseboards
- Attic hatches
- Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners
- Cable TV and phone lines
- Dryer vents where they pass through walls
- Vents and fans
You may need help insulating some of these areas, so call a professional if needed. If you feel comfortable, consider adding weatherstripping around your doors and windows to keep the warm air from escaping. Your local home improvement store has a wide range of options to help seal up any gaps, from insulation tape to caulk to door sweeps and much more.
Tip #2 – Cut your heating bill with this thermostat hack
Heating is a huge chunk of your energy bill – almost half, according to ENERGY STAR, which can total more than $900 a year. By using a programmable thermostat, you can save as much as 10% yearly!
The trick is turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F from its normal setting for 8 hours a day. That may sound like a lot, but it’s easy to do with a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat lowers your home’s temperature automatically during scheduled hours when you’re not home or sleeping. Smart thermostats even allow you to lower (or raise) your thermostat from an app on your phone.
Caution! Frozen pipes are much more costly to repair than any energy savings you gain, so avoid lowering your thermostat during cold spells or when temperatures drop below freezing[JJ5] . Make sure to always keep your thermostat above 55°F.
Tip #3 – Hot water, cool savings
Are you in hot water because of high bills? The more hot water you use, the more energy you use. According to the DOE, water heating is about 18% of your home’s energy use. A simple way to save money is to turn your hot water heater down to 120°F. This keeps your hot water warm enough to dissolve soap, oil, and grime on your dishes while also saving you money.
Also, run full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washing machine, and consider taking showers rather than baths. A bath generally takes 35 to 50 gallons of water, but a 10-minute shower can use as little as 25 gallons of water. This means less water needs to be heated for your daily bathroom routine.
Tip #4 – Don’t fall victim to energy vampires 
Your everyday devices like your computer, printer, toaster, and even coffeemaker may be helping to increase your energy bill. Even if these devices are off or in standby mode, they still use energy as long as they are plugged in. (Yes, this includes your phone charger!) An NRDC study found that “idle load electricity” can account for roughly a quarter of your energy bill.
A quick way to stop these “energy vampires” from stealing your energy and money is simply to unplug electrical devices you’re not using. You can also plug them into a smart strip, which you can turn off from an app on your phone!
Tip #5 – Ditch the bulbs that burn cash
It’s time to say goodbye to your incandescent light bulbs and hello to LEDs. The DOE found that 15% of the average home’s electricity use comes from lighting, and simply changing a home’s incandescent light bulbs to LEDs can save a household about $225 a year. That’s because LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. To get the most savings, use ENERGY STAR LED bulbs.
Tip #6 – Avoid appliance drama
One of the easiest ways to save money is to avoid expensive appliance breakdowns or replacements. Sounds too good to be true? While there will always be unexpected surprises in homeownership, completing regular home maintenance can help to keep your appliances running efficiently. This means they’ll use less energy and last longer.
A few simple home maintenance tasks to complete include:
- Replacing or cleaning your HVAC air filters as per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Servicing your HVAC unit at least once a year.
- Vacuuming heat registers and heat vents.
- Cleaning the refrigerator coils twice a year (or once a season if you have pets).
- Vacuuming your dryer’s exhaust vent at least once a year.
- Flushing your hot water heater (when necessary).
- Inspecting roofing (from the ground) and calling a professional to complete repairs.
- Cleaning your chimney (as needed).
- Cleaning and servicing your septic tank (as needed).
Completing these tasks can help you not only save money but also prevent home hazards. Maintaining your heating unit and cleaning your dryer vent can help to prevent costly home fires. Flushing the hot water heater (as needed) can help prevent water damage and cold showers.
It’s important to take care of your home, so it will hopefully return the favor.
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