Florida is known as the sunshine state and maintains a warm average of 80+ degrees year round; however, this sunny state can undergo cold spells during the winter months.
We’ve talked about how you can reduce your energy costs for those hot and humid summer months, but we haven’t discussed how you can maintain and reduce those energy costs on chilly winter nights.
“Heating and cooling your home account for the largest portions (54%) of your utility bills...you lose 25% of heating through your windows and doors.”- Green Home Gnome
The following are just a few tips to help keep you and your family warm in your home without jacking up your electric bill.
7 Tips for Winter Energy Savings
#1 Turning your thermostat down to 68 degrees during the daytime can help you save up to 5% on heating costs.
#2 Make sure that your air filters are clean so that they don’t make your heating unit work extra hard and cause a spike in your energy bills.
#3 Sometimes, using an energy efficient space heater instead of your heating unit can reduce your heating costs.
#4 Replacing your outdated windows with impact glass windows increases your home’s circulation and reduces your energy bills without having to overuse your heating unit.
“If you are planning to replace your windows, choosing ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent.” - Consumer Energy Center
#5 Update your gas appliances with ENERGY STAR® replacements.
#6 Swap out your old Christmas lights with LED lighting decor.
#7 You can minimize the chill in your home by closing your blinds and/or curtains at night or when the cool air is stronger than the sun’s rays.
Less Heat—More Impact Glass!
There is a myriad of tips and tricks you can do around your home that will help reduce your energy costs all year round; however, there are a few other measures you can take, such as replacing your windows and doors with energy efficient fixtures for better insulation and home circulation.
ENERGY STAR® products are widely accepted and known for their energy efficient properties, so browsing through products backed by their seal of approval is a good place to start!
