The cold season brings tons of enjoyable activities and events, but it can also impact your budget. From holiday lights to keeping your home cozy during harsh weather, many Norco and St. Charles Parish families are left with high energy bills. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to decrease your expenses and achieve lower utility bills.
Our team at Mayeuxs AC & Heating in Norco and St. Charles Parish put together a list of ways you can save. Try them out and enjoy lower utility bills this winter season.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Change your thermostat to lower heating output at times when you’re asleep or not home. Three to five percent more energy is required when your furnace is set above 68 degrees, so try keeping your home at 68 degrees when you’re at home and awake, and decrease to 55-65 degrees at times when you’re away at work, out of town or sleeping to achieve lower utility bills.
2. Make sure you only wash when you have full loads.
Don’t do laundry until you can do full loads. This will save you money on water heating, water usage and on heat required for the dryer. You don’t want to do more laundry than you have to anyway, right? And, don’t forget: cleaning the lint trap after every load can save you up to $34 a year, according to PG&E.
3. Conduct a home energy audit.
A home energy audit can help you see the areas where your home is losing energy through leaks, drafts, or products and appliances that use extra energy. The assessment can show you how to save on energy expenses, including long- and short-term energy-saving options.
4. Properly seal your leaks.
From your HVAC ducts to attics, walls and windows, there are many areas in your home that may be letting cold air seep through. Simply cover drafty windows with a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet, and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows. Contact Mayeuxs AC & Heating to learn more about sealing your air ducts.
5. Use LED holiday lights.
One easy way to achieve lower utility bills is to switch out your less efficient holiday lights for LED lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can work for nearly 40 holiday seasons in Norco and St. Charles Parish.
6. Install a high-efficiency furnace.
If you need to upgrade your furnace, look into an energy efficient furnace. Some systems can save up to $800 yearly on annual heating bills compared to older furnaces. Or, if you’ve made a replacement recently, remember to schedule a service visit for your current system. An easy tune-up can help you achieve lower utility bills by making it easier for the system to do its job.
For more information on how you can lower your utility bills this winter, give Mayeuxs AC & Heating in Norco and St. Charles Parish a call at (985) 764-2426.