Most homes experience high energy bills during the winter. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple cost-effective strategies you can use to reduce energy usage, stay toasty, and save money this season. There are even charitable organizations that can help defray the costs of upgrades. Here’s how to make your home more energy efficient and save money this winter.
Free and Inexpensive Fixes
- Schedule your HVAC furnace service and replace the HVAC filter. Having your furnace checked annually can help alert you to problems before they occur. Similarly, replacing your furnace filter every three months prevents damage to your furnace. Both can save you money on expensive repairs.
- Reverse your ceiling fan motor. Running ceiling fans on a low setting with the blades turning clockwise will propel warm air down toward you.
- Seal doors and windows. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal air leaks in your home.
- Dial back the thermostat. You can save up to 10 percent a year on heating costs just by turning your winter thermostat setting back seven to ten degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. Pro tip: do this at night before bed; you won’t notice the difference from under your blankets!
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs. Because we use artificial light more in the winter, installing these energy-efficient bulbs can significantly cut electricity costs in two ways: they both use less energy and last much longer.
Worthwhile Investments
- Install a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat minimizes heating and cooling bills automatically, so you won’t have to remember to do it yourself. Consider programming it to reduce heat at night, in certain rooms, or when you won’t be at home.
- Replace old doors and windows. Replacing windows can be worthwhile because many window models today save more energy by preventing heat loss through the glass.
- Replace high-energy appliances. If your oven, furnace, or water heater are older, it might be time to replace them with more efficient ones. These upgrades pay for themselves over time in saved energy. Check the Energy Star rating of new appliances and consult a knowledgeable source before making a purchase.
Need to Minimize Your Bills with a Better Financing Option?
Along with any DIY energy improvements you make as a Michigander, Michigan Saves can help keep Mother Nature from costing you—now and all year long. Our financing can help you quickly turn your house into a comfortable and energy-efficient home by paying for virtually any energy upgrade you need. If saving money and energy is your goal, you’re in good hands. Get professional help from one of our authorized Michigan contractors in your area. Fall into energy savings with us today!
