The cold season brings a bunch of exciting activities and events, but it can also do a number on your wallet. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Franklin Lakes families have high energy bills. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Total Comfort in Franklin Lakes put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and see lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output 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 can do full loads. This will help save money on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, keep in mind: 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 determine 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 the most, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your air ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are a number of 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 coming through doors and windows. Contact Total Comfort to find out more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the simplest ways 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 lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Franklin Lakes.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 a year on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a service visit for your current system. A simple 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 Total Comfort in Franklin Lakes a call at 201-268-5663.