How To Save On Your Electric Bill This Winter

by | Aug 15, 2019 | News & Events

As the winter months approach, you may begin to have memories of last year’s exorbitant electric bills, especially during extreme winter weather conditions. This year, start preparing for the uptick in your heating costs earlier, and do your part to prevent big spikes in your electric bill.

Believe it or not, you can save quite a bit on your electric bill and remain comfortable and cozy at home, by making simple changes and adjustments throughout your home. Turning off lights and devices when not in use, taking advantage of your apartment’s big, bright windows and monitoring appliance usage can make substantial changes in your energy costs each month.  

After all, you want to enjoy this cozy winter season in beautiful Norfolk, VA, without agonizing over your monthly utilities bills. Start monitoring your energy use now, by making these simple changes at home, and save big this winter season at home!

Take advantage of natural light.
During daylight hours, pull back those curtains and let natural sunlight into your home. You’ll be able to take advantage of natural light to see and heat the rooms of your home, and you and your pets will enjoy an added dose of indirect Vitamin D. You will want to make sure to remember to pull those curtains closed tight when night falls, as you’ll be trying to keep the cold air out when the sun is away.

Change your lightbulbs.
Switching to energy efficient lighting is one of the fastest and easiest way to reduce your energy costs. Just by changing your apartment’s five most used light fixtures and bulbs, you can save up to $75 a year. When choosing energy efficient lighting, choose LED or CFL light bulbs. While they may cost more to purchase, they’ll save you over the long term. 

Cozy up at home.
During the weekends and evenings, take advantage of the season of cozy sweaters, blankets and slippers, and bundle up for warmth and comfort indoors. You’ll be able to keep your thermostat adjusted to a lower temperature and save money while you snuggle up and enjoy the coziest season of the year.

Adjust the temperature.
Try to keep your thermostat as low as possible, especially during times when you are away from your apartment and at night while you sleep. Keeping your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower than normal at night while you sleep or during the day while you work will reduce your energy costs by close to 10% per year.

Use a power strip.
Using a power strip to turn off appliances and devices when they aren’t in use is the only way to ensure that you aren’t using energy and unnecessarily increasing your energy bill each month. These devices, when left on, will quietly drain energy, accounting for up to 5% of your apartment’s energy use each year. 

Turn off the lights.
This may sound simple (and obvious), but in the rush to get out of the door in the morning or off to your workout on the weekends, it can be easy to leave unnecessary lights on that will drain energy and add to your monthly energy bill. Make sure to turn off lights each time you leave a room, and make a point to teach your family members to do the same.