The cold season brings tons of exciting activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your budget. From holiday lights to staying warm during harsh weather, many Payson families are left with high energy costs. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our experts at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling in Payson 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.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output during hours 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 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.
Put off doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat used for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, keep in mind: 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 excess energy. The assessment can show you how to save the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
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 allowing cold air in. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact North Mechanical Heating and Cooling to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways to receive 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 last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Payson.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars yearly on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a replacement, remember to schedule a maintenance 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 lower your utility bills this winter, give North Mechanical Heating and Cooling in Payson a call at 928-263-8570.