It is the holiday season! It’s the time of year that fills us with cozy vibes, fun gatherings, and decorative festivities. That is, until January rolls around we’re faced with those credit card bills. It seems the holidays only get more expensive each year. And while we can’t help you pay those credit card bills; we can help you find little ways to save on your home energy bill this winter. It’s true! In addition to being your top choice for emergency HVAC service or furnace repair in Mercy County and nearby, we’re also pros at saving a few bucks.
So, are you ready to stay warm while saving money? If it sounds like a plan, put on some fleece pajamas, snuggle under that fuzzy blanket, grab your hot cocoa, and start checking our list—we bet you’ll end up checking it twice!
Do These Things & Cut Back on Your Energy Bills
Our simple ”stay warm” tricks add up. Give these ideas a try if you’re looking to reduce your utility bill this holiday season.
- Shop for your own energy.
Did you know you don’t have to be at the mercy of your electric company when it comes to utility rates? New Jersey is one of the states that allows you to choose your own energy supplier. Since the delivery portion is separate from your supplier, you can shop for the best rate around and save money! Check out New Jersey Power Switch for more information.
- Block out cold air.
Don’t let drafts ruin your holiday celebrations. Take inventory of your doors and windows and locate any cool air that might be coming inside. Remember, warm air can escape through any type of cracks or gaps. Caulking or adding weather stripping to these areas can help immensely. You can also invest in “draft stoppers” and place them at the foot of doors.
- Add carpet for extra warmth.
Add some carpet to common areas during the winter months to help add warmth. The fibers in the carpet’s material act as an insulator and can help trap heat in and keep homes warmer. Carpets made of wool are a good choice for holding in heat.
- Get a heater tune-up.
Prevent those unwanted furnace repairs, by showing your system some TLC. And by this we mean scheduling a heater tune-up. The pros at Elite Air can do a comprehensive check of your system and give it the thorough exam it may need. A fully functioning, highly efficient system will save you money in the long run and prevent those dreaded emergency HVAC repair calls!
- Adjust your water heater temperature.
Most water heaters are set somewhere between 120- and 140-degrees Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your temperature closer to 140 degrees can waste up to $61 per year. Lower your temperature to 120 and watch the savings kick in.
- Put devices in “save mode.”
While it is a small change, putting your devices such as laptops, gaming systems, and virtual assistant devices in “safe mode” can help reduce energy costs.
- Close the fireplace damper.
If you’re not using your real-wood fireplace, be sure to close the damper. Drafts can swirl into your cozy space when the damper is open and give you a real chill. Keep heat in by closing it when not in use.
- Don’t block air vents.
While this might be a no brainer, be careful not to block any vents that are delivering warm air. Adjust furniture as needed to allow free-flowing air and be sure the kids’ or dogs’ toy bins aren’t covering the heating vents.
- Get an energy audit.
A home energy audit is a great first step toward saving on energy costs. When you schedule an energy audit, a professional home energy auditor will examine your home and provide a detailed analysis on where energy might be lost and how you can improve your efficiency. And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save between 5 and 30 percent on your energy bill when you make changes!
- Reverse your ceiling fan.
Just as we learned in science class, warm air rises. So, in the wintertime, it can be beneficial to reverse your ceiling fan’s direction. Set your ceiling fan to turn clockwise and it will push warm air down into your living space and keep you cozy.
Happy Holidays from the Elves at Elite Air
We hope this holiday finds your family comfy, safe, and healthy. As always, if your comfort is challenged during the season, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Elite Air. Even during the coldest of days, we are simply a click away when you need the gift of emergency HVAC repair!
Merry Christmas to all!