The winter season brings lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many Chadron families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at MPC Heating & Cooling in Chadron came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program your thermostat to lower heating output at times 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 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, keep in mind: 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 spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you ways to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.
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 letting in unwanted cold air. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact MPC Heating & Cooling to find out 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 holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in Chadron.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money a year on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current equipment. A simple 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 MPC Heating & Cooling in Chadron a call at 308-832-4321.