If you’ve got the midwinter blues, chances are good that your heating and air conditioning costs aren’t doing anything to cheer you up. In cold weather, many homeowners notice a significant spike in the electric bill. It feels like the inevitable result of keeping your house cozy against the bitter chill outside. But there are a few simple things you can do if you want to reduce the bill at the end of the month:
Have you ever heard the term vampire appliance? These are items that stay plugged in all the time, even when you aren’t using them. It’s a little known fact that electricity can be siphoned off these lifeless appliances, and this slow trickle can be devastating to your energy bill over time. Unplug space heaters and other small appliances when they aren’t in use, and supplement with natural options whenever possible.
Outdated appliances can suffer from rampant operational inefficiencies. If you notice a significant spike in your heating bill, it could be a sign of an old system working too hard to produce the same results.
If you have issues with improper insulation in your home, you could be losing heat as quickly as you’re paying to produce it. If that’s the case, you will notice a spike in your electric bill as well as an increase in the frequency with which your system stays on during the winter. Have a professional inspect the walls, attic, and ductwork in your home to eliminate this as a possibility.