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Are you avoiding the winter weather and enjoying a cozy night in instead? It’s likely your energy usage is going up while staying warm inside and bingeing the new season of your favorite TV show, according to ComEd. And you’re not alone – the winter months can cause increases in your electric usage, which can impact your energy costs. Seasonal items like space heaters & dehumidifiers can increase your energy use, as can extra lighting to ward off those dark afternoons.
While it might feel like there’s no end in sight for those dark days and chilly temps, ComEd says you can help you cut back on your energy usage without curbing your binge-watching habits with these easy-to-follow tips:
- Clean or replace air filters– Heating and cooling consumes up to 50% of total home energy use in an average household. Dirty air filters make your furnace work harder to circulate air. By cleaning or replacing your filters, you can lower your heating and cooling system energy use by up to 15%.
- Insulate outlets and light switches– Outlets and light switches on the walls that separate your home from the outdoors are often overlooked sources of heating or cooling loss. Insulating these areas can reduce drafts and keep your home more comfortable.
- Clear areas around heating and cooling vents– Furniture, carpets and other objects can block vents and prevent heated or cooled air from traveling. This blockage makes your heating system work harder and prevents rooms from warming up quickly.
- Open your shades on winter days for natural light and warmth–Taking advantage of winter sunlight can help make a dent in your heating costs. Open blinds during the day to provide natural lighting and capture free heat.
- Unplug electronics when they’re not in use–Many gadgets, including televisions, DVR boxes, game consoles and computers, continue to use power even when they are off, so unplug electronics when you don’t need them. For convenience, plug devices into a power strip and turn it off.
This season, ComEd’s Energy Doctors remind customers of the following tips:
- When the sun is shining, open shades on south-facing windows and take advantage of natural light for warmth. Close the shades during the night to help insulate your home.
- Set your thermostat to as low a temperature as possible to maintain personal comfort. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be. Overnight, you can also save by turning your thermostat down a few degrees while sleeping.
- Clear area around heating and cooling vents. Furniture, carpets, and other objects can block vents and prevent heated air from circulating in your home.
Information courtesy of Commonwealth Edison, www.comed.com.
Karen Daugerdas, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Broker, 847.494.1102.
