How To Lower Your Energy Bill

Tips & Tricks From Our Heating & Cooling Company

Winter. For many of us, the season means holiday shopping, hot chocolate, and time spent with friends and family. For those of us who love saving energy, the winter season also means that there are many ways to use more electricity and energy. If you’d like to learn how to lower your energy bill, check out this list from the experts at Oliver. Our heating and cooling company has been the most trusted in the Delaware Valley and at the Jersey Shore for over 50 years.

If you haven’t signed up for an HVAC maintenance plan, learn more about the Oliver Peace of Mind Membership today. As a member, you’ll take the guesswork out of HVAC maintenance and can enjoy better energy efficiency. Our annual 19 point inspection is second to none. You’ll also enjoy front of the line scheduling for service with no residential overtime rates. Members also receive discounts on diagnostic fees and repairs and a complimentary plumbing and electrical inspection. Call (888) 810-2681 now to sign up!

17 Tips To Lower Your Energy Bill This Winter

1. Insulation saves electricity. The more insulated your home, the easier it is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you want to be warmer in winter, make sure your ceiling is insulated, as about 40% of heat loss takes place through the roof. Effective winter insulation also includes covering glass windows (where heat escapes) with heavy curtains and blinds, and closing gaps around doors (to stop cold air drafts). Insulation slows heat transfer and makes your house warmer in the winter. Learn more about Oliver’s residential insulation services today.
2. Shut doors to unoccupied rooms. By shutting the door to an unoccupied room, you can trap the heat in the room and not let it travel into a cooler room.
3. Use lighting controls. You can save additional money on your electrical bill by using motion sensor and timer controls.
4. Unplug electronics. When you are away, unplug those kitchen appliances, DVD players, TVs, and computers to save energy and money.
5. Use a power strip. If the idea of running around the home to unplug everything is a bit too much, use power strips to plug in multiple appliances, and then turn it all off with the flip of the switch.
6. Limit usage in peak hours. You can save money on your electric bill by simply changing the time of day you run the oven, do laundry or run the heater. That’s because some power companies change electric costs based on the time of day. It can cost 30-60% more to operate your electronics during peak hours of energy usage. Peak hours are usually between 6-10 am and 3-9 pm. Weekends and holidays tend to be off peak.
7. Add moisture to the air. Humid air feels warmer than dry air, so by adding moisture to the air, you can comfortably reduce your thermostat a degree or two. Consider installing a whole house humidifier with help from Oliver.
8. Adjust the temperature. When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 degrees from your normal setting. A programmable thermostat from Oliver can make it easy to set back your temperature while you are away or out of the house.
9. Run your fridge efficiently. Your fridge is always on, making it one of your most expensive appliances. Make sure the door seal is tight and free from gaps so cold air can’t escape. An ideal fridge temperature is 39° or 41°F and on ideal freezer temperature is 0-5°F. If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when you need it.
10. Reduce heat loss from the fireplace. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter, it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly and close doors leading into the room. If you never use the fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
11. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Buy LED light bulbs. They use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. The bulb also lasts longer.
12. Use LED holiday lights. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are at least 75% more efficient and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lights. By using LED holiday lights, you can be at ease knowing that you won’t be spending a bundle to keep those lights on.
13. Stop standby power waste. Up to 10% of your electricity could be used by gadgets and appliances that are on standby. A standby power controller will automatically reduce standby time and switch appliances off when not in use.
14. Save energy in the kitchen. Thaw frozen food in your fridge to reduce cooking time. When you are cooking, use the microwave when you can -it uses much less energy than an electric oven. If you use the stove, keep lids on your pots to reduce cooking time. Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when its full.
15. Use cold water in your washing machine and run a quick cycle. You’ll reduce your homes energy bill. Also consider buying a front-loading machine. They use 50% less energy than top loaders.
16. Lower your water heating costs. Water heating accounts for 18% of the energy in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. If your water heater is old and energy inefficient, ask about our tank and tankless water heater installation services. We offer same day water heater replacements to homeowners in need.
17. Take advantage of heat from the sun. Open curtains on your south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Be Sure To Schedule an Annual HVAC Tune-Up

If you are wondering how to lower your energy bill and have yet to schedule your annual heater tune-up, now is the time to do it! It’s never too early in the season to make sure your heater is operating safely and efficiently. Give the experts at Oliver a call today at (888) 810-2681 or contact us online to schedule your furnace tune-up.