The winter months bring lots of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your wallet. From holiday lights to staying warm throughout harsh weather, many Wausau families experience high energy expenses. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Gilray Heating and Cooling in Wausau put together 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 at times 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 reduce the temperature 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 can do 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, remember: cleaning out 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 places where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Gilray Heating and Cooling to hear 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, less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 40 holiday seasons in Wausau.
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 a year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a routine 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 operate.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Gilray Heating and Cooling in Wausau a call at 715-301-0727.