The cold and dark winter months can be a festive period or a time of increased energy and gas costs. Heating systems and lights usually run higher than usual during these months. While it’s important to keep a house warm, particularly in the winter, finding an affordable solution may be difficult.
Fortunately, there are a variety of straightforward energy-saving methods and ideas that you can employ to help you lower your utility bills while keeping warm this winter.
1. Change Your Air Filters
Air filters are a critical part of any heating system. Regularly cleaning and changing your air filters can reduce the energy your furnace uses by 10-30%.
No matter the type, an unclean filter restricts airflow, increasing the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
It can result in a significantly higher monthly energy bill. You can significantly reduce your energy bills by changing your furnace air filters every three months and air conditioner filters every 1-2 months.
If you have allergies, you may also want to consider investing in a high-quality HEPA air filter to help reduce allergens and dust particles in your home.
2. Install Solar Panels
You can install Solar panels on your roof or nearby to help reduce energy bills while making your home more environmentally friendly. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight and turn it into usable energy to power your home.
Solar panels are a great way to reduce electricity bills and create a sustainable, eco-friendly home. Solar panels have become more affordable within the past decade.
You can use it to power many household appliances and devices, including appliances, lights, and space heaters. Solar panels are a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and power your home with clean energy.
3. Use Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are programmed to heat your home when necessary and cool it when it isn’t. Using a programmable thermostat, you can turn your heat or air conditioner on or off according to a pre-set schedule. It can significantly reduce your energy bills per year.
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via an app on your phone, making them ideal for busy professionals or homeowners who want to control the temperature of their homes while away.
Some models even have a built-in humidifier or air purifier to reduce allergens and irritants within your home while keeping energy costs low.
To create a more streamlined system, you can also program these thermostats to work with your other smart home devices, such as lights and shutters.
4. Install A Combination Boiler
If you already have a gas boiler, you may be able to upgrade to a combination boiler. Combination boilers are a boiler used to heat water and provide warmth throughout your home. They can be a great option to save space and lower your energy consumption.
Combination boilers can provide a wide range of energy-saving features and benefits, including lower energy usage, fewer heat cycles, and more efficient water heating.
You can opt for the best combi boiler in Canada to save on your energy bills and operating expenses over the long term. They are easy to operate and are available in many models, from single-stage to high-efficiency condensing models.
5. Sealing All Leaks
Sealing leaks in your home is a cheap yet effective way to reduce energy usage. You can do it with caulk, insulation, or weather stripping.
If you have an older home with worn-out plumbing or HVAC systems, you may consider investing in repairs or replacements to increase energy efficiency.
Repair leaky windows and doors – If your windows or doors have cracks or holes, they allow cold air inside your home.
Seal duct leaks – If you have forced-air heating, your ducts may leak warm air. A quick and easy fix is to apply duct tape to the leaks.
Install a ceiling fan – Ceiling fans circulate warm air and can reduce your energy costs significantly.
It is essential to check that your house has adequate insulation and that it is protected from the chilly weather before winter arrives.
There are many energy-efficient ways to heat your home this winter. From changing your air filters to sealing all leaks, these energy-saving tips can help you stay warm without much spending.