The cold season brings tons of exciting activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your budget. From holiday lights to staying warm during harsh weather, many Carson City families experience high energy costs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Anderson Heating & A/C in Carson City created 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 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can run full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than was really necessary, right? And, don’t forget: cleaning out 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 find the places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Anderson Heating & A/C to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to achieve lower utility bills is to switch out your 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 up to 40 holiday seasons in Carson City.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 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 simple tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to do its job.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Anderson Heating & A/C in Carson City a call at 775-230-7628.