The days are shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and winter is officially on its way. For many homeowners, that means it's time to start thinking about ways to save energy and money at home. While most people think of obvious measures like turning down the thermostat or installing insulation, there are a lot of less obvious ways to save as well. Here are 10 tips for saving energy and money this winter without making any major changes in your routine.
1) Switch to LEDs
Switching to LED lighting is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce energy use and save money on your home's energy bills this winter. LEDs can provide up to 80% energy savings compared to standard lights, resulting in cost savings over time. In addition, LEDs are available in a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes making them versatile enough to suit any type of interior setting.
Swapping out your existing light fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting will not only be good for your wallet but also friendly to the environment - these eco-friendly lighting solutions will reduce carbon emissions and help fight against global warming. For a reliable and sustainable option that won't break the bank during the coldest months of the year, look no further than switch to LEDs at home this winter!
2) Turn off radiators in unused rooms
Winter is the time of year when we tend to hunker down at home, but high energy bills can leave your pockets feeling a little empty. One of the most effective ways to save money and energy while keeping warm this winter is to turn off radiators in rooms that are not used. While it might not seem like much, turning off radiators in unused rooms can go a long way when it comes to reducing your energy use and bill at this time of year.
After all, why should you be paying for unnecessary heating that’s going unappreciated? Make sure you have sufficient insulation and draft-proofing in other parts of the house so that turning off radiators doesn't lead to uncomfortable chilly rooms elsewhere. Making small changes like this can result in big cost savings over time.
3) Turn down your boiler temperature
With the cold winter season approaching, it is important to take the necessary steps to stay warm while saving energy and money. One of the most effective ways to do this is to lower the temperature of your boiler. Doing so will greatly reduce your energy or gas bill compared to having it set at a high temperature throughout the day and night. Furthermore, even a slight drop in temperature in your home can make a significant difference during this period when heating systems are working harder due to low temperatures outside.
Reducing the temperature of your boiler by just 1 or two degrees can yield potentially large financial savings over several months! Taking these measures towards energy efficiency can also prove beneficial as we strive for a more eco-friendly environment.
4) Cut down your shower time
If you've been looking for an easy way to save energy and money at home this winter, cutting down your shower time is a great place to start. Showering is the most energy-intensive activity in the bathroom, with most of that being used up by heating all that water! By taking shorter showers, you can drastically reduce your energy demand while also saving precious dollars on your utility bill. It's a simple yet effective way to make a difference and help improve sustainability in the process.
Taking shorter showers isn't possible every day, but try to get into the habit of doing it as often as you can - whether it be at home or when you're travelling. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll also be contributing to collective efforts in curbing climate change too.
5) Automate your devices
This winter, why not save energy and money in your home by automating your devices? Automated devices such as thermostats, lights, and water heaters can be set to turn on or off based on time, location, and other parameters that you determine. This way, you have the assurance of never accidentally leaving electronics running when they should be powered off. By reducing peaks in power consumption during peak hours, you'll reduce both your electricity bill and environmental footprint.
Additionally, automation can save you the hassle of daily tasks like remembering to turn down the thermostat before bedtime. With automated devices working on your behalf this winter, you'll reap the rewards of a lower electric bill with little effort!
6) Consider solar-powered devices
During the winter season, many of us are looking for ways to save energy and money around the house. One option to consider is investing in solar-powered devices such as a solar water heater or a photo-voltaic system that converts sunlight into electricity. Not only would using solar power save you money on electricity bills as you won't have to use traditional forms of energy, but it could also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
Additionally, solar-powered devices offer more flexibility since you don't need to rely on access to the conventional power grid which can be unreliable during the winter months. Unsurprisingly, outdoor lighting is the easiest electrical to switch to solar, with a huge range of solar-powered lights on the market. Considering all these advantages, it's no wonder why so many people are upgrading their homes with these energy-saving alternatives.
7) Wash your clothes at the lowest temperature
Not many people realise it, but washing your clothes at the lowest temperature possible is a great way to save both energy and money. In winter months especially, taking advantage of saving on energy bills can make a huge difference when you look at your total monthly expenses.
Washing your clothes with cold water could also extend the life of certain fabrics, as less heat can prevent colour fading or shrinking often caused by too-hot washes. That being said, it's just as important to keep an eye out for the labels inside each piece of clothing; some may still require warm or hot water for complete cleaning.
8) Hang thermal curtains
Thermal curtains are an effective way to cut energy costs and reduce your winter utility bills. Insulated, heavy-duty curtains can keep drafty cold air out and warm air in, creating a more efficient home atmosphere. By installing thermal curtains on your windows this winter, you could be warm at home without having the furnace work overtime. Not only will they keep your home cosy in the wintertime, but they look fabulous too.
Often made with thicker fabrics and some even have insulated backing, you're sure to find something that works for your style while providing insulation against heat loss. Hang thermal curtains this winter season and enjoy a warm and stylish home that won't cause your wallet to suffer!
9) Use one streaming service a month (and cancel the rest)
With the winter months already upon us, now is a great time to save some energy and money at home by subscribing to one streaming service per month. This will limit how much you're paying for media services each month and avoid wasting energy on other accounts that are not being used. Take advantage of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime to find great movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more all from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, some companies offer free trials so you can switch up the service every few months or whenever you want! This sustainable lifestyle technique is an easy way to save both energy and money this winter while still enjoying the entertainment that streaming provides.
10) Keep your blinds closed in unused rooms
With winter coming up and temperatures getting cooler, keeping energy costs down is always important - and one of the key ways to do this is to keep your blinds closed in any rooms that are not regularly used. This helps avoid heat loss through windows, meaning your boiler won’t have to work as hard – saving you money in the long run. If temperatures outside become especially cold, you can even increase the effect by closing curtains over the blinds too for extra insulation.
Keeping rooms cool also decreases the chances of condensation or frost forming on any glass surfaces which can cause plenty of damage come spring. So if you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective way to save on bills this season, keep those blinds shut!
Conclusion
If you want to save money this winter, start with these 10 tips. Many of them are easy and painless changes that can make a big impact on your energy bill. So take a few minutes to get started today, and you’ll be thanking yourself later in the season when your wallet is a little bit fuller. Have other ideas for saving money at home this winter? Share them in the comments below!
Shop for energy-efficient appliances at Falcon Electrical, from LED bulbs to heating.