The winter season brings lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also do a number on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home in the middle of harsh weather, many Naples families experience high energy bills. Luckily, there are easy ways to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Speedy Air Conditioning in Naples came up with a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output at times 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 decrease 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 do 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 was really necessary, 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 spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can explain how 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 plenty of areas in your home that may be letting in unwanted cold air. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Speedy Air Conditioning 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 older, less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Naples.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to replace your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a routine maintenance visit for your current furnace. 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 reduce your utility bills this winter, give Speedy Air Conditioning in Naples a call at 239-244-3439.