The holidays are a wonderful time of celebration and merriment, but there’s one unfavorable truth about the season: It always takes a toll on your bank account. With decorations, presents and preparation costs, it’s almost impossible to make it to the New Year without saving money. Fortunately, there are certain ways you can conserve cash on energy costs during this time of year so that you can have a little extra financial cushion. Here are 5 ways you can save on energy costs during the winter!
Thermostat Setting – The magic number that your thermostat should be set to during the winter is 68 degrees. If you find this setting too cold, you can always bundle up and wear warm clothing while you’re at home. Whenever you’re out, adjust the thermostat to 55 degrees, and it can help you save up to 20% of your heating costs. You can also save up to 5% on your heating costs for every degree below the 68-degree range.
Inspect Your Attic – When it comes to heat loss, poor insulation is a major factor that usually comes into play. Hire a professional to make sure that the heat you’re generating in your home is properly circulating inside. A sufficient insulated attic will ensure you that no energy and money is being wasted to heat your home.
Seal Up Leaks – Even though it’s hard to find, there’s a good chance that your doors and windows have holes or cracks in the seams. If left unattended, it can leak out hot air, which can cost you a lot of money. Avoid this problem by using caulk to fill up the cracks in these spaces so that the heat can stay in your home.
Water Heater Setting – Your water temperature should always be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The preprogrammed winter setting for most homes is 140 degrees, which is hotter than what you really need it to be. If you set it correctly, you can save up to 11% on heating costs.
Replace Filters – Old and dirty filters can reduce air flow, which can prevent hot air warming up your home and spike energy use. Make sure you clean out your furnace and replace your filters so that you can save energy and reduce your heating costs.
With the change of seasons, it’s also a great time to make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.
We hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!