The cold season brings a bunch of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also do a number on your budget. From holiday lights to maintaining a warm home throughout harsh weather, many Lafayette families experience high energy costs. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at AC Sales in Lafayette 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.
Set your thermostat to lower heating output at times when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is consumed when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and decrease 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.
Hold on doing laundry until you can do 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 you have to anyway, 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 determine the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
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 allowing cold air in. Simply cover windows with plastic, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks coming through doors and windows. Contact AC Sales to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way 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, these energy efficient lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last nearly 40 holiday seasons in Lafayette.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills versus older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current equipment. 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 achieve lower utility bills this winter, give AC Sales in Lafayette a call at (337) 234-2345.
