Sometimes, we’re all taken aback by how high our heating and cooling bills can climb during the dog days of summer and the dead of winter. We have put together some helpful tips on how to reduce those hefty utility bills.
COOLING DOWN THE HOUSE
- Operate your stove, oven, dishwasher and laundry dryer in the morning when it’s cooler. These appliances can add extra heat to your home, thus negating any gain from the air conditioner.
- Hot air can get trapped in your attic. Install an attic fan to combat that stuffiness and keep everything circulating.
- Don’t cool unused areas. If you’re not having guests, then close the doors and vents to those unused rooms.
- Choose the right size HVAC unit and place it in the shade. Excessive exposure to sunlight makes its job that much harder.
- Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and bump it a notch when you’re away.
KEEPING THE HEAT IN
- Is your radiator near a cold wall? Make a barrier with aluminum foil to help insulate.
- Add an extra blanket for warmth at night rather than relying on the furnace.
- Many think that ceiling fans are only used to cool off, but ceiling fans can help you out during the winter months too. Set at the slowest speed and let it circulate that warm air throughout your house.
- Have a professional inspect your heating system at the start of the fall season. A poorly maintained system can only lead to those bills climbing higher.
- Set your thermostat to 58 degrees, if you’re going out of town.
BONUS TIP FOR THE FOODIES OUT THERE!
Cook your food in glass and ceramic dishes. You can lower the overall temperature by 25 degrees. Don’t be afraid to use crock pots, electronic frying pans and microwaves too! A stove isn’t always the most economic of choices. Also, use lids whenever possible. That way your food cooks in less time. Finally, don’t forget to let food thaw! There are many more tips, but I’ll leave you with these as a start.
