As winter approaches, you may prepare for increased holiday-related expenses, from buying gifts to hosting parties. However, the cold season also brings another reason to pay attention to your budget: rising utility costs.
Winter Can Be Expensive
Several factors can increase your bills during winter. One of the main factors contributing to rising utility costs is the high cost of energy. Heating your home accounts for about a third of the average utility bill.
The prices of natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity, and other energy costs fluctuate based on supply and demand. Therefore, if winter is harsh with cold temperatures, the demand for heat increases, leading to higher energy prices.
Most homes in the United States use natural gas for heating, which can vary in price depending on supply and demand trends. Electric heating, which is the second most common form of heating, is often more expensive than other heating options.
Although the demand for electricity in general, including lighting and electrical appliances, tends to be less responsive to temperature changes, the electricity costs in winter are actually lower than in summer. However, for homes that use electricity for heating, colder temperatures can significantly impact the amount consumed.
8 Tips to Reduce Utility Bills in Winter
Since winter can affect your utility budget, it is advisable to use these methods to reduce costs, starting from increasing the temperature to lowering your water heater temperature.
Reduce Heating Costs
During winter, heating generally represents the largest portion of your utility costs. Keep your furnace operating efficiently by having it inspected at the beginning of the heating season. Replace filters monthly and ensure that air vents and baseboard heaters are clean and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Minimize the use of exhaust fans in the bathroom or kitchen, as they can draw warm air out of your home.
Space heater efficiency varies, but portable electric heaters and gas-fired heaters are generally not very efficient. Additionally, excessive use can lead to fires. Never use a gas oven for heating as it emits carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill you at high levels.
Use a smart or programmable thermostat that you can set and forget or control via an app. Adjusting the temperature setting down by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you 10% on heating and cooling costs.
In winter, try setting the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lowering it at night.
Unplug Electronics
Electrical and electronic devices such as televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and chargers can use electricity even when turned off. Keeping these devices plugged in when not in use can cost an average household up to $200 a year in energy costs.
Unplug chargers or electronics that you do not frequently use when they are not in use. Energy-saving power strips can help reduce your electricity bill from “phantom loads” by cutting off the power supply.
Reduce Water Heating Costs
Water heating is another significant expense in utilities, whether it’s from maintaining heat or losing heat from the tank to the room. Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit from the typical manufacturer setting of 140 degrees can save an average household about $460 a year.
If
have various factors influencing your utility bills, such as usage patterns, appliance efficiency, and local energy rates. Tracking your monthly usage and comparing it against previous bills can help provide estimates. Additionally, many utility companies offer online tools or apps to help customers forecast their bills based on current usage trends.
ما الذي يمكنني فعله لتقليل استهلاك المياه في فصل الشتاء؟
يمكنك تقليل استهلاك المياه عن طريق اتخاذ خطوات مثل إصلاح التسريبات في الأنابيب، واستخدام رأس دش موفر للمياه، وتجنّب ترك الصنابير مفتوحة أثناء غسل اليدين أو تنظيف الأسنان. كما يمكنك تجميع المياه الناتجة عن تشغيل الصنبور المبدئي لاستخدامها في سقي النباتات.
كيف يمكنني معرفة ما إذا كانت عزلتي فعالة؟
للتحقق من فعالية العزل، يمكنك إجراء فحص مؤهل باستخدام كاميرا حرارية لتحديد المناطق التي تعاني من فقدان الحرارة. يمكنك أيضاً مراقبة درجة حرارة الغرفة وكمية الطاقة المستخدمة في التدفئة؛ إذا كانت الحرارة تنخفض بسرعة أو تستهلك الكثير من الطاقة، فقد يكون وقت التجديد قد حان.
Your utility company can help you estimate your bills using historical information for the address. However, you need to remember that you may use more or less than previous occupants. You can ask your utility company for a budget billing program based on past usage.
What happens if I don’t pay my utility bills?
Failing to pay utility bills can lead to several consequences, such as fees, transferring the outstanding amount to a collection agency, or service disconnection. This may eventually affect your credit history. If you can’t pay, contact your utility company for assistance or to negotiate payment plans.
How can I get help with my utility bills?
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-save-money-on-utility-bills-this-winter-1289897
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