The winter months bring a bunch of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also do a number on your pocketbook. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy in the middle of harsh weather, many Chelan and Wenatchee families are left with high energy expenses. Luckily, there are easy ways to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air in Chelan and Wenatchee created a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Program your thermostat to lower heating output when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is used when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and lower 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 help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, 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 find the spots where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you how 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 many areas in your home that may be allowing cold air in. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact Lakeside Heating & Air to find out more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to get lower utility bills is to switch out your older 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 work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Chelan and Wenatchee.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current furnace. An easy 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 Lakeside Heating & Air in Chelan and Wenatchee a call at 509-284-4265.