Preparing Your Wallet For Winter
The winter months would be all the better if the cold was the only thing worth worrying about. An unfortunate part of winter living is a higher electric bill, and, for many homeowners, these excessive energy costs feel like more than just an inconvenience.
Mission Air works to provide Hanover with quality, well-maintained heating systems. That means we’re no stranger to the costs of energy during winter. In this article, we’ll be covering:
- What causes energy bills to skyrocket during winter
- Ways you can reduce these energy costs
- How Mission Air can ready your home for winter
The good news is that those bills don’t need to be here to stay. Read on to see how you can better manage energy usage during the colder months.
Why Is My Energy Usage So High During Winter?
Increased energy usage in the winter months is no coincidence. Should you ever wonder — “Is my electric bill higher in winter or summer?” — you’ll probably find that winter comes first almost every year. Why is that?
We Use More Energy In The Winter
When the temperature falls low, our electricity usage goes up. Heating systems will be pumping out warmth both day and night. Because people tend to be at home more often in winter, they’ll also be cranking up the heat frequently.
While homeowners can easily see when their electric bill goes up, many forget just how quickly the average Virginian’s winter lifestyle adds up in cost. Here are some reasons why the winter bills might be going up:
- Use of extensive heating systems
- Higher local power demand
- Less daylight for natural warmth
- Holiday lighting
- Poorly maintained ventilation
With everything we do to ward off cold weather, it’s no surprise some people find their electric bill has doubled in the winter. Even though most measures taken to provide warmth in winter feel necessary, very few of them are free of cost.
How Can I Lower My Winter Electric Bill?
Hanover homeowners aren’t powerless to the electric costs of winter. There are several ways you can introduce minor changes to your lifestyle in order to save on bills. While some may seem small, these can add up over time and leave you pleasantly surprised when you see your next electric bill.
Lower Your Thermostat
Saving money can be as simple as the push of a button. When you’re away from home or everyone is asleep, consider lowering your thermostat. Even just a few degrees cooler can result in significant energy savings over time.
Some thermostats allow for automatic temperature adjustments. By investing in one, you can have a schedule that prioritizes warmth when needed and energy savings when not.
Check Your Home Insulation
Proper insulation helps keep heat inside your house, reducing the workload on your heating system. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and have any gaps sealed as necessary.
Heat wastage from poor insulation means your money is flowing right out the door. The more airtight your home is, the more efficient your heating system will be.
Maintain Your Heating Unit
If you’re looking to maximize your heating, then your furnace can’t be forgotten. If your unit’s air filter isn’t being changed at least once every three months, then it could be clogged and costing you precious dollars. A professional heater inspection from Mission Air can identify any potential problems and offer quality furnace repairs. If your unit is healthy, then so is your home!
Use Sunlight To Your Advantage
Indeed, even sunlight can help keep your electric bill in check. By determining at what times sunlight passes through each of your windows, you can lower the thermostat for a while and let nature provide the warmth. Instead of always relying on artificial heating, homeowners can get help from this cost-free resource.
Keep Your Bills In Check With Mission Air
Lowering energy costs and maintaining your heating system go hand-in-hand. A furnace that’s cared for will reward you with greater heating efficiency. To make that a reality, you need only turn to Mission Air. Whether you’re installing a new system, upgrading it or getting repairs, we’ll get the job done right!
