Beatrice Lang
With electricity bills set to rise, it's important to know how to save on electricity in the winter. Heating systems are the main cause of high energy bills during the colder months, so it's crucial to keep your home insulated and your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. Other ways to save on electricity include using energy-efficient lighting, unplugging appliances when they're not in use, and making sure you're using the right appliances for the right tasks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Keep the thermostat at 68°F or lower. |
| Clothing | Wear sweaters and cuddle under blankets instead of turning up the heat. |
| Appliances | Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. |
| Lighting | Turn off lights when leaving a room or the house. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. |
| Fans | Set ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed to push warm air from the ceiling into the living space. |
| Fireplaces | Keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney. |
| Cooking | Use a microwave or air fryer instead of an oven. If using an oven, refrain from opening the door to check on food. Cook multiple dishes at once. |
| Laundry | Wash clothes according to temperature requirements and load size. Air-dry laundry when possible. |
| Rates | Find out if your utility company offers different rates for various times of day and do your laundry during off-peak hours. |
| Air Leaks | Seal air leaks around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. |
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What You'll Learn
Use sunlight to heat your home
Using sunlight to heat your home is a great way to save on electricity in the winter. Here are some tips to maximize the use of sunlight to heat your home:
The basic principle behind using sunlight to heat your home is to allow sunlight to enter your home through windows and retain that heat. The amount of sunlight that enters your home depends on the intensity of the sunlight and the window area. Only a fraction of the sunlight that hits the window will pass through, and this is defined by the solar heat gain coefficient, which is a property of the window itself. Energy-efficient windows with multiple layers of glass and a reflective coating can help increase insulation, keeping warm air inside during the winter and reflecting sunlight to protect from excess heat in the summer.
To maximize the amount of sunlight entering your home, consider the orientation and size of your windows. In Colorado, at 8,000 ft elevation, it is recommended to have approximately 35% of the square footage of the floor space in any given room as window area. At lower elevations or more southern locations, the percentage of glass should be slightly less. Windows can be oriented up to 25 degrees east or west of true south and still collect over 90% of solar energy.
To retain the heat from sunlight, ensure that your interior thermal mass (brick, adobe, concrete, tile, rock, etc.) is well-insulated. Natural insulating materials such as straw bales, scoria (crushed volcanic rock), and wool can help prevent heat from escaping. Additionally, using dark-colored flooring can absorb heat, but avoid covering these floors with carpeting.
Finally, be mindful of the potential for overheating in the summer. Good design can help mitigate this issue. Consider having deciduous trees or vines to shade the south side of your home, or incorporate architectural features such as summer shades or eaves that extend beyond the sides of the house to block the higher-angle summer sun.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively use sunlight to heat your home and reduce your electricity usage during the winter.
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Turn off power-draining appliances
Even when they are turned off, plugged-in appliances can quietly drain electricity. This is known as standby power, which can account for up to 10% of residential energy use. The worst offenders include TVs, computers, chargers, media players, phones, and smart home appliances like refrigerators and washers.
To reduce standby power loads, the US Department of Energy recommends using a power strip with on/off switches to plug in your appliances. Surge protector power strips help protect your appliances and electronics. By plugging all of your products into a power strip and turning off the power strip when these items are not in use, you can ensure that they are truly off.
Smart power strips also allow you to control individual sockets from a smartphone app or smart speaker, enabling you to be more efficient in your electricity usage. When replacing devices or appliances, choose energy efficiency. Any upgraded appliance, even the cheapest on the market, will be more energy efficient than one that is several years old.
Additionally, unplugging devices when they are not in use can help save on electricity bills. Turning off lights when not in use and using a smart thermometer to keep the temperature lower than you think you need are other ways to conserve energy.
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Choose efficient lighting
Lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use, and upgrading to energy-efficient lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cut your energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends switching to energy-efficient lighting to save on your electric bill.
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient option available today. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available to fit almost any light fitting in the home and are compatible with dimmer controls, although you may need to upgrade your dimmer switch to one that is LED-compatible. LEDs are also available as floodlights and have been tested to withstand rain and snow, making them suitable for outdoor use.
If you don't have the resources or time to replace all the bulbs in your home, even switching one bulb can make a difference. Look for bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR label for high-quality products with the greatest energy savings. These bulbs provide the same amount of light for less money and can help lower your electricity bills and improve your carbon footprint.
In addition to efficient lighting, you can also use controls such as timers and dimmers to save electricity. Timers automatically turn lights off when they are not in use, and dimmers can be used to lower light levels.
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Seal windows and doors
Sealing windows and doors is a great way to save on electricity in the winter. Drafty windows and doors can cause high energy bills and a cold house. There are several ways to seal windows and doors to keep the cold out and the warm air in.
One way is to use plastic wrap or film to cover the windows and doors. This can be done with plastic wrap and double-sided tape, or with a window plastic kit. The plastic is applied to the inside of the window frame and then heated with a hairdryer to remove any wrinkles. This method is a cheap and effective way to keep out chilly breezes and can be a good temporary solution for a winter or two.
Another option is to use caulking material or insulating foam to fill any gaps or holes around windows and doors. The caulking material can be applied like regular caulking compound and removed when dry, leaving no residue. Spray insulating foam can be used to fill gaps between the window and the house frame.
Upgrading to insulated windows and doors is another way to seal them and prevent heat loss. This option may be more expensive, but it can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Insulated curtains or blinds can also be used to provide an extra layer of insulation and help keep the warm air in.
Sealing windows and doors is an important step in preparing your home for winter and can help reduce energy bills and keep your home warm and comfortable.
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Use the right appliances
Using the right appliances can make a significant difference in reducing electricity usage during the winter. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your appliances are energy efficient. Take advantage of state and federal incentives to upgrade appliances that contribute to high energy use, such as kitchen appliances, heaters, and lighting. For example, replacing old incandescent bulbs with LED lights can lower your electricity bill and reduce carbon emissions.
When using kitchen appliances, only boil as much water as you need in the kettle, and avoid overfilling it. Similarly, wait until your washing machine and dishwasher are full before running a cycle, and select the shortest washing cycle when possible. Using smaller appliances, such as slow cookers, pressure cookers, and toaster ovens, can also be more energy-efficient alternatives to using the oven.
Another way to save electricity is to reduce the usage of non-essential appliances. Turn off appliances such as computers, printers, televisions, and entertainment systems at the power source when they are not in use. Many electronic devices use energy even when they are in standby mode, so unplugging them can help save electricity.
Lastly, maintaining your appliances is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Regularly clean and service your appliances, such as heaters and fireplaces, to ensure they are running efficiently. For example, clean the flue vent of wood and pellet-burning heaters, and keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning to prevent heat loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower. Every degree above this can increase your bill by 3-5%.
Only heat the rooms you're using. If you have heat registers, close the levers on the ones in rooms you're not actively using.
Seal air leaks around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. Close your fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use.
Use sunlight to heat your home. Open the curtains for direct sunlight.
Wash your clothes according to the proper temperature. Only use the hot cycle for items that need to be sterilized, such as socks and towels.
