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Living in Massachusetts, we’re no stranger to the dark, cold winter months. Along with ice, snow and frigid temps, this time of year can also bring higher energy bills for homeowners and renters. In addition to the cost of heating your residence, you are likely spending much more time at home than you would in the summer, so you’ll have to use more electricity during these periods of shorter daylight.

Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to lower your electric bills and your carbon footprint.  Not only will your wallet thank you, but as an added bonus, some of these things can help  you reduce wear and tear on your home that winter weather can cause.

  • Weatherstrip your doors and windows.  Sealing any drafts if the first step to keeping the inside of your home warm and the cold weather out. Doors and windows can leak heat 24/7, but weatherstripping will give you an added layer of protection.
  • Install a smart thermostat. This is one of the simplest, high-tech ways to save on your electric bill. A programmable thermostat allows you to optimize heating times and set temperatures throughout the day. Even when you’re away from home, you can monitor how much energy you’re using and warm it just in time for your return.
  • Have a professional inspect your heating system. An annual check-up can ensure your system is running efficiently and that you’re not wasting energy.
  • Clear your air vents. If furniture is blocking your vents, your system has to work overtime to heat your home. Make sure they’re clear and the heat can easily escape to reach the entire room.
  • Update your insulation. Proper insulation is the key to reducing your electric bill. Additional insulation in your attic can keep more
  • Adjust your water heater temperature. Older models tend to lose heat easily and are naturally kept at a higher heat than you really need. Consider lowering the temp and adding a hot water heater blanket which will provide an extra later of insulation.
  • Only wash and dry full loads of laundry. A half-full load of laundry is a waste of energy. No matter how full it is, you still use a significant amount of power and water to run the load. Also, consider washing in cold or warm temps over hot whenever possible.
  • Insulate your pipes. The pipes that carry the hot water to faucets, showers, and appliances can be draining your energy, especially if the water travels far. Adding insulation will deliver hotter water and reduce the amount of time you have to run the water for it to heat up.
  • Unplug unused electronics. Even when they’re not on or in use, did you know your electronics are still drawing energy? Whenever you can, unplug these devices such as printers, microwaves, and video game consoles. Bonus tip: electronics you navigate with a remote control are the biggest culprits because they essentially live in standby mode.
  • Bundle up. Perhaps the most inexpensive way to save is to layer up. Instead of turning up the heat, throw on another sweater or a blanket.
  • Let the sun in during the day and close the curtains at night. The sun is the natural source of heat for our homes and during the day, can add a few degrees to the inside temperature. At night, keeping the curtains drawn will help trap that heat so it doesn’t escape through your windows.

We hope these tips will help keep you comfortable and your energy bills down no matter where you live. To learn more about how we can help you protect what matters most, please visit our website. https://quincymutual.com/