We all love the festivities that come with fall and winter; Halloween parties, Thanksgiving meals, holiday celebrations and sledding. However, many of these activities help produce high electric bills. Just think – Christmas lights are on every night, kitchen appliances are used to prepare family meals, and the heat is turned up to keep kids warm after a long day of sledding – all of these activities use excess energy. But you don’t need to worry! The experts at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have come up with a few tips to help reduce your electric bill so there’s no need to limit yourself when decorating your house with Christmas lights this holiday.
Increase Efficiency While Reducing Costs
The average family spends at least $2,000 a year on home electric bills. Here are a few ways to ensure your electric bills stay low this winter:
Change your air filter regularly
A furnace filter needs to be replaced every one to three months. A dirty furnace filter slows down airflow in the system causing the furnace exert unnecessary energy. Changing your furnace filter will improve the energy efficiency of your heating unit—meaning it won’t have to work as hard to keep your home consistently warm.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who out of their home for extended periods of time. While your home is unoccupied, the thermostat will automatically set itself for a more efficient temperature during those times, allowing you to save money.
Seal your heating and cooling ducts
Air can easily slip through cracks. This means that using inefficient ducts to move air to-and-from a forced air furnace wastes your money. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating system by reducing the number of gaps in your ductwork. Duct sealing can improve efficiency, comfort, and safety all while reducing electricity costs.
Consider a more energy efficient heating system
If your heating system is over 10 years old or not keeping your house at a consistent and comfortable temperature, have it evaluated by one of our Top Notch professionals. If it’s not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR®. Investing in a new system now will reduce your electric costs in the long run.
Lower Your Electric Bill This Winter
The professionals at Top Notch know how important spending time with family is around the holidays – don’t waste that time worrying about the cost of your electric bill. Making small changes to your daily habits by following these tips will help offset some of the high expenses that typically come with the winter months. If you live in the Kansas City, MO area, and you are interested in inspecting or replacing your furnace, contact the professionals at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today at (913) 535-8002.
