Money Smarts Blog
6 Ways To Save On Your Energy Bill
Jan 19, 2023 || Steph Carmichael, Digital Strategist
Did your last energy bill make you cringe? Just like everything else, energy costs are on the rise this season.
We've got six quick and easy ways to save money on your next heating and electric bill this winter.
Keep it clear - Make sure your registers and radiators aren't blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains or other objects. And make sure to regularly dust and vacuum your registers or radiators.
Wrap it up - Put window wrap kits over the inside or outside of your windows to reduce heat loss. They can be found at Lowe's, Home Depot or a local hardware store.
Replace your furnace filters - Changing furnace filters isn’t just about clean air: Clogged material can make your unit work harder, raise costs.
Use ceiling fans - In the winter, ceiling fans need to spin clockwise on low speed (any faster and you'll start to feel a cool breeze). This creates an updraft that helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room, changing the average temperature in the living space.
Let it shine - Keep curtains, shades and blinds open on sunny winter days, especially with windows on the south side of your home. Closed drapes also double as insulators for those cold nights.
Set it right - Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower when you are away or asleep can save approximately 10% per year on your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Smart thermostats can make this an easy process. Did you know customers in Iowa and Illinois can take advantage of a rebate for qualifying smart thermostats?
✨ Bonus tip: Use budget billing. Budget billing is a free program designed to ease the fluctuation of your monthly bills. Instead of paying your actual energy costs each month, you pay an average amount. It is not a discount program and offers no savings or lower rates, however, you get the convenience of a more predictable bill.
