Low-Cost Winter Electricity Solutions of 2024 Supported by Research

 

Your electric bill may skyrocket and your spine may tingle from winter's chilly grasp. However, before you give up on saving money, think about this: research reveals a number of practical strategies to reduce your winter energy usage and maintain a comfortable budget.

Thermostat Strategies:

Reduce the temperature: It is the easiest way to save electricity. Your heating bills might go down by 5–10% for every degree you turn down the thermostat. With the help of programmable thermostats, you may plan temperature changes to guarantee warmth only when required. According to a 2017 National Bureau of Economic Research, programmable thermostats reduced annual heating costs by an average of 7%. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper 23604, 2017)

 Accept the chilly night air: Dress to curl up with a warm blanket when the weather cools off. A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley revealed that sleeping in a colder setting (between 60 and 67°F) encourages deeper, more restful sleep. (Source: Physiology Journal, 2007)

Eliminate the Leaks:

Weatherize your doors and windows:

Air gaps and leaks waste heat, increasing energy bills. To stop air leaks, seal the spaces around windows, doors, and electrical outlets using weatherstripping and caulk. According to a 2019 Energy Star program research, air sealing can result in up to 20% in energy savings. (Source: Energy Star, 2019)

 Seal up the attic:

Heat rises, which makes an ill-insulated attic a prime place for escape. Lower heating costs can be achieved by adding insulation, which can dramatically reduce heat loss. According to a 2015 Oak Ridge National Laboratory research, attic insulation can save homeowners' heating costs by up to 30%. (Reference: 2015 Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

Appliance Efficiency:

  Modernize outdated equipment: Energy-hungry, inefficient equipment needs to be upgraded. Think about upgrading to a newer, energy-star rated refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine. According to a 2019 report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, homeowners can save $200 on average annually by switching to energy-efficient appliances. (Source: Energy-Efficient Economy Association of the United States, 2019)

Unplug Phantom Power: Even in sleep mode, electronics like TVs and chargers draw power. To stop this quiet energy drain, either unplug them or utilize power strips with on/off switches. Phantom power may be responsible for as much as 10% of a home's electrical consumption, according to National Resources Defense Council research. (Source: The Natural Resources Defense Council (2018)}

Additional Information:

 Make the most of the sun: During the day, open the curtains facing south to let in warm, natural sunlight. For outdoor décor, think about using LED lights that run on solar power.

 Let your clothing air dry: Whenever feasible, let your garments air dry instead of using the energy-intensive dryer.

Take good care of your furnace: Frequent furnace maintenance can lower energy usage and increase furnace efficiency.

Recall: You can beat the winter blues and manage your electric cost by putting these science-backed tactics into practice. So dress warmly, welcome the warmth, and follow science's lead for a warmer, more energy-efficient winter!