How can I lower my heating and electricity bills? Any tips to reduce utility costs? I’m finding Rocky Mountain and Dominion bills to be quite expensive lately. Besides unplugging devices, what are some effective ways to decrease energy usage? Also, are there non-electric heaters that are safe to use indoors with pets?
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We remind (gently) the kids to turn off lights when not in use.
Use blankets and layer clothing for warmth.
Regularly replace HVAC filters.
Set the thermostat to 65°F at night and 68°F during the day.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Opt for energy-efficient appliances.
These steps help us maintain lower utility bills. With temperatures in the upper 50s, our bills are currently lower than usual.
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What temperature do you set your thermostat to? Adjusting it even by 1-2 degrees can make a noticeable difference. For heating, keeping it cooler when you’re asleep or away and warmer when you’re active at home helps conserve energy.
Personally, I keep my heat at 65°F when I’m home and awake, and 61°F at night or when I’m away. In summer, I set my AC to 78°F during the day and 73°F at night. I live in a state with cold winters (average 20-25°F), so I use AC sparingly. Using fans instead of AC can significantly reduce power consumption.
Wifi plugs are handy for turning off devices at the source and preventing accidental energy waste.
Switching from incandescent to LED bulbs saves money on electricity, although the savings aren’t huge. Fluorescent bulbs use 18-22 watts compared to 13-16 watts for LEDs that replaced typical 75-watt bulbs.
Remember, using natural light through windows whenever possible can also help reduce your energy use, as heating and cooling are usually the biggest energy expenses.
For your heating bills, you can install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
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Try sealing gaps around doors, windows, and vents to prevent heat loss. Consider using weather stripping and caulking to improve insulation.
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Consider using propane or natural gas heaters. Ventless propane or natural gas heaters can be safe for indoor use if properly maintained and used in well-ventilated areas.
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