5 Easy Ways to Reduce Winter Energy Costs

As winter ushers in colder temperatures, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can effectively cut home energy costs. Here at Bradley Mechanical, we provide expert repairs and installations, together with advice on ways to conserve energy and maintain your investments over time. We know just how quickly a small change to your home’s efficiency can cause a spike in your energy bill. After all, one of the most common things we hear this time of year is: “Why are my energy bills so high?!” While there are numerous ways to answer that question, it often all comes down to how efficient your home and its HVAC system are.

Ways to Save

Consistently using heat and spending more time indoors tends to mean your energy bill skyrockets this time of year. However, there are some simple ways to reduce that cost and still stay warm. To save money and keep your home comfortable this winter, we’re here to offer a few of our top tips:

Upgrade to Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are not only programmable but can also learn your heating and cooling habits with little to no user input. Most models also include energy usage reports to help identify other opportunities to save on your energy consumption. Smart thermostats with Wi-Fi can connect directly to your smart devices so you can control indoor temperatures from anywhere in the world.

Eliminate Drafts

If you have a drafty room, odds are you avoid it during the winter. Not only does this cause your heating system to work overtime to keep these drafty spaces warm, it means fewer spaces for you and your family to enjoy while spending more time indoors. According to Energy Star, drafts and leaks in your home can increase your heating bill by 20%. By sealing these areas, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill every year. Professional technicians, like our team at Bradley Mechanical, can conduct a home performance test to help identify problem areas and eliminate drafts and leaks.

Schedule a Heating System Check-up

Like your car, your home’s heating system requires regular maintenance to work efficiently. If you heat your home with an HVAC system, clearing the area around your heat pump and removing debris like leaves and twigs can make a big difference. Replacing your air filters every 90 days is another great way to reduce the strain on your system.

Those who use a boiler or furnace should consider having them serviced annually. Having a professional examine and clean the parts that commonly fail or require replacement every few years can help extend the life of the system as well as mitigate risk of larger problems later on. It also improves the system’s efficiency, saving you money in the long run.

Turn on Your Ceiling Fans

When it comes to heating your home in the winter, using a ceiling fan isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Much of the hot air your heating system puts out rises to the ceiling, leaving colder air closer to the floor. Most ceiling fan models come with a switch to reverse the rotation. Running your fan in a clockwise direction creates an updraft effect that draws cooler air away from the floor and circulates heat down from the ceiling. In fact, studies have shown that by simply reversing your ceiling fan in the winter can lower heating costs by up to 15%.

Check Your Insulation

Insulation is an important part of regulating the temperature inside your home. It can also be the most practical and cost-effective way to make your home more energy efficient. Traditionally, homes are most insulated in the attic, but newer homes may have insulation between walls and in crawl spaces. It’s recommended to have your insulation inspected annually to make sure the insulation materials have not been affected by moisture or mildew.

If you’re asking yourself how you can save on electric bills and how to reduce energy consumption, these five changes are a great place to start. While there may be several factors that can contribute to higher energy bills, Bradley Mechanical can help pinpoint where your energy overage stems from. We also provide a range of home performance services and tests that improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money.

From duct sealing to insulation installation, our trained professionals are dedicated to providing quality service and repair. For over 50 years, we’ve provided trusted and professional heating and HVAC service to our community. Stay warm this winter with Bradley Mechanical.

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