How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills This Winter
Cold weather means our heaters are running hard to keep us warm—sometimes non-stop—giving us relief from harsh winter days. While the winter season is a much-welcomed break from a longer summer, it can put a hamper on our HVAC systems and utility bills.
Homeowners need to prepare for chilly nights and even colder utility bills this winter. Winter utility bills use more than 200 kWh more than in the summer, coming out to an average bill of about $105 per month. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can lower your electric bills, helping you stay warm while also giving your bank account a break.
Read below to learn how to save money on your utility bills this winter.
First Things First: Cover Your Home with Insurance
Before you start taking steps to lower your utility bills, it’s essential to review and potentially update your homeowners insurance. Having Dayville Homeowners Insurance is necessary for local homeowners and is an essential part of making sure you’re ready for various potential winter home risks, such as burst pipes and house fires.
Work with your local Dayville Homeowners Insurance provider, Brynes Agency, to see how you can prepare for the cold winter ahead.
Turn the Heat Down a Touch
It might sound like winter blasphemy, but just like turning you’re A/C up a couple of notches in the summer to save money, you can lower the temperature by a few degrees.
Turn the heat down a few degrees at night when you layer the covers and when no one is home or, if you have a smart thermostat, set a schedule to have your temperature drop automatically throughout the day. The cost of a smart thermostat can vary, but it will save you time and money on your utility bills.
Caulk Any Cracks in Your Home
Homeowners can help keep air in the house by choosing to caulk any cracks. Silicone caulk can fill any cracks in doors, windows, and other openings. A lot of heat is lost just by cracks, so spending a few dollars on a caulking tube to take care of the issue is well worth it.
Also, be sure to look at all of your electrical outlets to spot small cracks as well. While you can’t use caulk in these areas, you can still opt for expanding spray foam to seal between the metal outlet box and sheetrock.
Install Weather Stripping
Take the time to install weather stripping around doors and windows to help keep warm air in and cold air out. Weatherstripping is a flexible product that is self-adhesive, and there are several types of stripping available to choose from.
Be sure to seal the tops, sides, and bottoms of windows and doors as well as the access to attic spaces. You can also install door sweeps on the bottom of the outside doors. This helps to lessen the amount of air that seeps out through any cracks.
About Byrnes Agency
At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.
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Phone: (860) 774-8549
394 Lake Rd
Dayville, CT 06241
United States
info@byrnesagency.com
Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: (860) 886-5498
6 Consumers Avenue
Norwich, CT 06360
United States
info@byrnesagency.com
Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00p