The winter season brings tons of fun activities and events, but it can also take a toll on your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home in the middle of harsh weather, many Williamsport families experience high energy costs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Lycoming Heating Company in Williamsport 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.
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 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 run full loads. This will help save 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: clearing 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 areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use more energy. The assessment can show you ways 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 plenty of areas in your home that may be letting in unwanted cold air. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Lycoming Heating Company to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One of the easiest ways to achieve 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 Williamsport.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 every year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a maintenance visit for your current furnace. A quick 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 reduce your utility bills this winter, give Lycoming Heating Company in Williamsport a call at 570-326-4450.