Home Energy Saving Tips for the Winter

It’s always a good idea to find ways to save on your monthly power bill. Not only will this put a little extra money in your pocket, but using less electricity is good for the environment. How we use our home’s energy changes throughout the year, however, so with winter approaching, it’s good to know how you can save home energy to adapt to colder weather. Follow these simple tips and find out how much energy you can save.

Upgrade Your Fireplace

A fireplace might seem technologically simple, but how it’s designed can make a significant impact on your home energy bill. Odds are, if your fireplace is 10 or 20 years old, it’s highly inefficient. If this is the case with your home’s fireplace, consider replacing it with an EPA-certified model. This will result in the generation of more heat with less fuel, heating up your home while saving you money.

Draw the Curtains

If you have south-facing windows, draw back the curtains. Letting sunlight enter your home — even on cold days — can warm your house more than you might think. While you’re at it, consider hiring a handyman to install new storm windows. A home can lose up to 30% of its heat through the windows, and preventing heat loss can make a significant impact on your home energy bill.

Bundle Up While at Home

If it’s freezing cold outside, and you’re walking around the house wearing shorts and a T-shirt, your thermostat’s set too high. Instead of setting your home to a toasty 84°, keep it parked in the mid to high 60s. You’ll still be perfectly comfortable wearing the occasional sweater indoors, and you’ll be able to save a ton of money on home energy.

Use a Space Heater

Space heaters use plenty of energy too, but if you’re spending an entire day in one room (a home office, for example), there’s no reason to heat the entire house. Ultimately, you’ll save a lot of power without sacrificing any comfort by turning down the thermostat and relying on a space heater instead.

Switch to LEDs

If you haven’t replaced your old incandescent lights with LEDs yet, the winter is the perfect time to do so. LED lights are 75% more efficient than traditional lights, and are just as attractive whether they’re being used around the house or for Christmas decorations.

With the heating and lighting demands that come with winter and the holiday season, making preparations now can save you on your monthly home energy bill while providing you with a safe and comfortable home.

If you need help with any home maintenance job to keep your energy bill low, our craftsmen at Handyman Connection of Charleston, SC are here to help. Our craftsmen are experts in installing LED lights, upgrading fireplaces and much more. Call us today.