WASHINGTON — The temperatures are dropping and snow is falling across the DMV, but though it is beautiful, one thing is on many people's minds -- the electric bill.
During the colder months of the year, many households will see an increased usage of energy and potentially higher bills. This comes as many are working to keep their homes warm, and for some this might just be a continue spike with hybrid or remote schedules.
To help keep your energy bills as low as possible, WUSA9 has compiled a list of tips to help reduce costs:
- Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, if health permits. You can save around 2% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, try turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours to save close to 10% on your heating bill.
- Unplug your devices. Mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices will continue to use energy after they are fully charged.
- Adjust your blinds. Keep your blinds up during the day to capture the heating benefits of the sun, and after dark close your blinds and curtains to keep the cold air out.
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than standard bulbs.
- Check for air leaks. Check the ductwork for air leaks about once a year if you have a forced-air heating system. How to do this? Just feel around the duct joints for escaping air when the fan is on.
- Insulate your home. Trap escaping air from windows and doors by using caulking or weather-stripping around leaky areas, install storm windows in winter and close chimney flues.
- Adjust hot water heater. Lowering the temperature on your water heater or hot water tank can help save money and energy.
- Dust or vacuum radiators. Dust and grime impede the flow of heat.
- Maintain home heating equipment. Have your heating equipment serviced periodically by a professional service representative.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances, electronics, and other products. Those products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Use your ceiling fan. While ceiling fans are thought to be a summer tool to help beat the heat, they can also be used during the winter to keep air warm. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This will create an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. The ceiling fan won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.
These tips were provided through Pepco and the U.S. Department of Energy.
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