As a lifelong San Diegan, I’m hesitant to complain about the cold, especially when I see temperatures dipping below freezing back East. However, waking up to a house in the mid-50s is still chilly and uncomfortable. To avoid the exorbitant SDG&E bills associated with running the heater, I’ve been researching ways to better retain the heat already present in my home.
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Winter’s chill can significantly impact your energy bills. But with a few smart strategies, you can stay cozy without breaking the bank. Here are some top tips to keep your home warm and your wallet happy:<\/p>\n
Seal those drafts: Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to prevent precious heat from escaping.
\nInsulate, insulate, insulate: Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors is crucial. Consider adding more if needed.<\/p>\n
Should you decide to turn the heat on in your house, consider maintenance for a forced air system.
\nRegular maintenance: Schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace or heat pump before the cold weather sets in.
\nThermostat control: Lower the thermostat a few degrees when you’re asleep or away from home. Consider a programmable thermostat for automatic adjustments. We love our NEST as we can keep the house cold, but turn the heat on if we are returning from a trip to gradually warm the house.
\nEmbrace the “sweater weather”: Layer up and keep your home at a slightly cooler temperature.<\/p>\n
Open curtains: Let the sunshine in during the day to naturally warm your home.
\nClose curtains at night: Prevent heat from escaping through your windows.<\/p>\n
Wash clothes in cold water: Most of the energy used in washing clothes goes towards heating the water.
\nAir dry clothes whenever possible: Skip the dryer and let your clothes air dry on a drying rack.
\nRun full loads: Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full.<\/p>\n
Unplug chargers and appliances: Even when turned off, many electronics still consume power. In fact, plugged in electronics that continue to drain power are called Vampire Plugs. Unplug them when not in use.
\nUse power strips: Easily turn off multiple electronics at once with a power strip.<\/p>\n