On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a sky-high energy bill? It’s true, the holidays are a pricey time of year. Not only do you budget for the best gifts for all your loved ones, but also for a steep electric bill.
In South Carolina, the winter months bring cold temperatures so you’ll use your heater more, and you of course also have to factor in all the festive holiday lights and yard decor. Fortunately, though, there are tricks to keeping energy costs low.
Here’s what we recommend that will save you money on your electric bill this season.
Set Your Thermostat Lower
The simplest way to lower your energy bill is to lower your thermostat. Of course you don’t have to live like an Eskimo, but simply lowering the heat by two or three degrees goes a long way for your wallet. Chances are that you won’t notice a difference between 76 and 74 but you will notice the money you save by doing so.
Close Vents and Doors to Unused Rooms
Homeowners often spend more time in some rooms than others. Why waste heat and money on the rooms that no one goes inside of? Consider shutting air vents and closing doors to rooms that are not used so that the heat that would normally be directed there, will instead recirculate and contribute to the other more popular rooms in the house.
Let the Natural Light In
On a warm, sunny day, take advantage of the free energy that the sun provides. Solar panels are great options however, you don’t necessarily need them. Open shutters, shades, and curtains to let the light naturally warm you and your home.
Seal Air Leaks
Have you noticed a draft in the air of your home? If so, this means that heat could be escaping. Check the weather stripping and seals around your windows and doors. Winter air can also sneak into your home through electrical outlets, AC units, and gaps in your insulation.
The worst air leaks occur in attics and basements, so make sure to check these areas of your home as well. Apply new caulk to broken or damaged weather stripping or seals. When air gaps are larger than what caulk can fix, you may need to install or replace insulation.
Use Insulated Curtains
When the sun goes down, don’t let all of the solar heat disappear. Instead, keep this energy inside with curtains and drapes before the sun starts setting. Hang insulated curtains in your most popular spaces to maintain the solar heat. This way you don’t have to hike the thermostat up at night, which makes you more energy-efficient and cost effective.
Turn on Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans allow for more circulation of air throughout your home. They don’t just work to move cool air, but also heat. Most of them generally move in a counterclockwise motion to push cool air down.
However, did you know that they usually have a reverse switch? Changing the direction of the fan will create an updraft that displaces the hot air that’s closer to the ceiling and moves it down to keep all your friends, family, and guests cozy inside of your home.
Use LED Lights for Holiday Decorations
Did you know that LED lights use 75-percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs? Choosing these for your holiday decor could dramatically decrease your energy bill.
Even though you may pay a little more for them initially, the investment pays off. LED lights go unmatched for safety, durability, and energy-efficiency.
Buy a Space Heater
If you need to heat a small, closed-off area of your home for a short period of time, space heaters are a great option. When you use a space heater, the risk of losing heat through air ducts or combustion is eliminated. They will work well for the garage, a small bathroom, or a tiny office space.
We know that this time of year can be a challenge. At Parker Group, we’re here to make your spirits bright year-round and especially during the holidays. Contact us today so we can help you on your real estate endeavors in Greenville, South Carolina.
