12 Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bill this Winter

The season of below freezing temperatures is here. In Missouri, we are bound to see a variety of temperatures throughout the Winter, but many of those nights are sure to get quite cold. In addition to winterizing your roof, there are other aspects of the home you should consider checking as well. Although it is impossible to completely avoid an increase in your utility bills during the winter months, you can use these tips to keep that increase in cost to a minimum. 

1. Lower Your Thermostat

Your furnance uses the most energy during the Winter months and accounts for nearly half of your energy bill. By reducing your thermostat by 10-15 degrees while you're away at work, you can save 5%-15% on your bill. You should also consider bundling up in comfortable sweaters and socks, purchasing flannel sheets and keeping throw blankets handy, so you can keep your thermostat lower while you're home and asleep too.
  

2. Regularly Replace Your Furnace Filter

Depending on the type of furnace filter you purchase, you should change them as often as monthly. You can get filters for as little as a couple bucks, but they do not keep the air as clean. The more expensive filters will do a better job of removing particles from the air and should last a little longer.

3. Check Your Water Heater

Set your waterheater thermostat to 120 degrees to decrease the amount of heat lost into the surrounding area. You can also cut costs by wrappig your old waterheater in an insulation jacket and insulating your hot water pipes.

4. Fill Cracks and Gaps

Check the inside and outside of your home, especially around windows, doors, electrical outlets and chimneys, for cracks and gaps where the warm air can escape and cold air can creep in. Use caulk to fill small spaces and spray foam insulation for larger ones. Prevent cold drafts from blowing in by installing door sweeps on your exterior doors.
  

5. Increase the Amount of Insulation

Although your attic is probably already well insulated, one spot that can be overlooked is the attic door. Adding an extra layer of insulation to it will stop the heat from rising into your attic. While you're in the attic, you should check your ducts for places that need sealed as well.    

6. Treat Your Windows

According to the Department of Energy, windows can account for 10%-25% of heating loss. To decrease this heat loss, you can install window film on the interior side of your windows that is easy to remove when Spring rolls around.  

7. Close Your Chimney Damper

Keep the damper closed when your fireplace is not in use. Chimneys create drafts and pull your warm air up and out of your house.

8. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans 

When you reverse your ceiling fans, the rotated blades push the air that's near the ceiling down toward the floor. Most ceiling fans have an easy to use switch that will reverse them.

9. Utilize the Sun

When the sun is shining, be sure to open your curtains and blinds to take advantage of that heat. Keep the curtains closed at night or when the sun is not shining to reduce heat loss by up to 10%.

10. Close Off Unused Rooms

If you have a spare bedroom, office or other room that doesn't get much use, close it off so you have less house to heat. Seal off the vents in those rooms to direct the flow of air to the rooms you are using and increase your energy efficiency.

11. Get a Humidifier

During Winter, the air inside your home can get very dry. By purchasing a humidifier, you can easily add moisture to the air which makes the air feel warmer and hold heat better. You can then lower your thermostat and still feel comfortable. 

12. Decorate with LED Lights

New LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than the older incandescent lighting. However, be sure to unplug your Christmas lights before you leave the house and before you go to bed. Just like your other appliances and electronics, the lights will continue to draw power even when not in use. This adds an unnecessary expense to your utility bills.  

By following these simple, low-cost tips, you can save on your energy bill this Winter. If you have any doubts or questions about your roof, contact your Lake of the Ozarks Roofer for an free roof inspection and quote. By taking the time now to prevent Winter damages to your roof, you can save yourself money on monthly bills and avoid costly repairs later. Contact Above & Beyond Roofing today at 573-302-0354.

At Above & Beyond Roofing, we pride ourselves on being locally owned and operated, being open 7- days a week, and we turn the average roofing job in one day!  Contact Ben or Melissa for a free estimate on your next project at 573-302-0354!

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