4 Tips to Save Money on Utilities this Winter

For most of us in the U.S., winter means cold. I don’t know about you, but I hold my breath whenever I open a gas or electric bill in the winter because… “OMG How much is it going to be this month?” So let’s talk about 4 easy, do-it-yourself ways to make your home more energy-efficient this winter season and save you some serious cash.

Schedule your HVAC maintenance:

Your furnace should be serviced annually – well, preferably in the Spring and Fall – but as long as you get it done every year and change your filter every month, you should be fine. Keeping up with regular maintenance will help reduce energy consumption, which will save you money.

Go smart:

According to the EPA, you could save roughly $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat. Even better – install a smart thermostat. They’re not only super easy to use – from your phone (!!!) – but they can learn your behaviors and monitor your energy usage. 

Make the switch to LED:

LED bulbs use less energy and last longer, saving you money two-fold. They’re also brighter, which is great for shorter winter days and longer nights. It’s worth it to invest in LEDs throughout your home, including your holiday lights. And putting your holiday lights on a timer will settle the “Uhh, did anyone turn off the lights last night?” debacle so you’re not paying to share the beauty of your light display with a sleeping neighborhood.

Weather stripping:

Air sealing a drafty house can save an average of $83-166 a year on heating and cooling costs. And you can DIY it for pretty inexpensive. If you feel a draft coming in around a window, door, or anywhere else, there are tons of options to seal them up. The goal is to keep your warm air in and the cold air out. 

Obviously, nothing says holiday season like a cozy fire, which will give off some amazing (free) heat, but for those of us without a fireplace, these tips will keep us toasty and warm and saving some cash… to buy gifts.

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