The winter months bring a bunch of exciting activities and events, but it can also impact your budget. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many Lodi families are left with high energy costs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our professionals at Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning in Lodi put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and experience 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 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.
Put off doing laundry until you have enough for full loads. This will help you save on water heating, water usage and on heat needed for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than actually needed, right? And, remember: 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 excess energy. The assessment can show you ways to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving possibilities.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your heating and cooling 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 Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning to hear more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to get lower utility bills is to switch out your 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 nearly 40 holiday seasons in Lodi.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need a new furnace, think about purchasing an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save hundreds of dollars a year on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’re not quite ready 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 do its job.
For more information on how you can reduce your utility bills this winter, give Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning in Lodi a call at 209-257-3156.