6 Ways to Get Lower Utility Bills this Winter

The winter season brings lots of exciting activities and events, but it can also do a number on your wallet. From holiday lights to staying warm during harsh weather, many Abilene families experience high energy costs. Luckily, there are easy ways to cut back your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.

Our team at Abilene Air-Tech Inc in Abilene 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 when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is used 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.

Hold on doing laundry until you can do full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, don’t forget: 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 areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can explain how to save as much as possible, including long- and short-term energy-saving solutions.

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 cold air seep through. Simply tape heavy plastic over the windows, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks on doors and windows. Contact Abilene Air-Tech Inc to learn 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 holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Abilene.

6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.

If you need to upgrade your furnace, consider an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save significant amounts of money every year on annual heating bills over older furnaces. Or, if it’s not quite time for a replacement, remember to schedule a service visit for your current system. An easy 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 Abilene Air-Tech Inc in Abilene a call at (325) 692-5850.