How to Save on Your Utility Bill This Winter

Winter is here and it’s the most fun time of year to pay your electric – or worse – gas bill! Not to worry, as a former property management employee, I’m here to help you save some money! I’m going to list my best tips for cutting back on your utility bill, even when you’re cold.

Turn Your Heat Down

The recommended setting during the winter while you are home is only 68 degrees. It’s rumored that with every degree you turn down from the recommended 68, you can save 3%. For example, if you keep your thermostat at 62 degrees, you could potentially save 18% on your bill!

Invest in a Quality Space Heater

My father in law got me a really nice space heater for Christmas. It looks like a classic wood-burning stove but it’s actually electric and releases heat from the bottom. Not only does it look so cute in our living room, but it heats our entire living space. I’m sure it would even warm up our bedrooms if we left the doors open. Plus, I’m not the only one in my house who approves of the heater.

Photo from my phone featuring 2 of 4 spoiled rotten dogs

Replace Filters Regularly

Forgetting to change your filters regularly can take a toll on your utility bill. When you keep the filter changed, you save energy. This keeps any type of heating and cooling system efficient and running smoothly. It’s recommended that you change your filter every month.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

With today’s technology, you can control your thermostat from an app on your phone. Having a thermostat that you can program several settings into will save you money on your heating bill in the long run. You can set it to have a specific temperature while you’re away and a different temperature for when you are home.

NOTE: This tip is something I personally would not use because I have four dogs that I don’t want to turn into pupsicles. My dogs are yuppies and can’t handle the cold

Add/Replace Weather Stripping around Exterior Doors

Replacing (or even adding) weather stripping to your doors can keep out a lot of the cold air that enters your house. Even with screen doors, cold air can still creep into your home if you have little to no weather stripping. You can find weather stripping at any hardware store. This is an easy and inexpensive fix to save money and stay warm.

I hope these tips will help you cut costs this winter! Got some great tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below!

Until next time,

Savanna

#budget #financialplanning #homemaintenance