5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Reduce Energy Usage this Winter Season

01 Dec 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Reduce Energy Usage this Winter Season

Kingsport, TN

As winter temperatures creep in, your HVAC system will kick into high gear to keep your home warm and toasty. For some, that may dramatically increase your electric bill. Fortunately, you can help maintain coziness in your home with a few do-it-yourself activities and without spending a lot of money. Our Tri-Cities licensed electricians at Thompson Electrical Service share on the blog five budget-friendly ways to reduce energy usage this winter season so that you can keep your home warm and comfy without having to spend a fortune on utility bills.

1. Close the fireplace damper

Homes with a fireplace have a damper that should remain closed when not in use. When you leave the damper door open, it’s like having an open window where heat escapes and cold enters your home. That means the air you’re paying to heat is going out the chimney. On the other hand, homes with gas fireplaces may need to keep the damper open so gas fumes can exit the home. Our Kingsport heating experts advise homeowners with a gas fireplace to check the owner’s manual for proper damper position information. By closing the damper, you can retain more heat inside your home and reduce your energy use.

2. Check your windows

Open or cracked windows can leak heated air outside and allow cold air inside. Therefore, check your windows to ensure they are closed and locked. Our Bristol HVAC experts explain that locking your windows pulls the sashes together and reduces gaps that allow air to pass freely through. If you notice a draft, it could be because the sashes don’t form a tight fit. Therefore, adjusting them or adding weatherstripping can create an airtight barrier and prevent airflow. If you rent your home, you can use caulk strips, pull and peel caulking, putty, or window insulation films to avoid permanent changes or damages.

3. Seal the doors

Similar to windows, the weatherstripping around your door could leak air if it’s in poor repair. Replacing weatherstripping is an easy project that can help keep drafts from passing through the edges or underneath the door. Our Johnson City HVAC pros recommend sealing any door that leads outdoors. We advise homeowners to check door perimeters to see if light or air is coming into the house when the door is closed. If you feel a draft or can see a beam of light, you’re losing energy and increasing your electric bill.

4. Layer up

It’s common to want comfortable clothes when you are at home. During the winter season, it’s best to dress warmer so that you don’t increase your energy use. Our Tri-Cities HVAC experts explain that although adjusting your thermostat to increase your comfort is the norm, wearing a sweatshirt or sweater can keep you warm and lower your electric bill. Additionally, wearing socks and slippers can keep your feet warm when the floors are cold.

5. Add coziness

The human body perceives a room’s temperature based on the room surfaces instead of the air temperature. Essentially, harder surfaces seem colder than softer surfaces. For example, a cold floor in the living room may seem colder than it is because it’s a hard surface. However, adding an area rug can instantly make the space feel warmer, even if the thermostat setting remains the same. On the other hand, windows without curtains can allow chilly temperatures into the room and make it feel colder. But hanging or closing curtains can make the space feel warmer and cozier while keeping out cold air.

Licensed Electricians in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Boosting your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t require purchasing new appliances. With a few small activities, you can reduce lost energy and your utility bills. If, after applying the above five tips, your home still feels cold and drafty, there may be some concerns with your HVAC unit. Therefore, if you struggle to keep your home warm, contact our Tri-Cities HVAC experts at Thompson Electrical Service to schedule an appointment. Please call our office at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online today.