When outside temperatures begin to plummet, one of the most costly consequences is the increased energy it takes to maintain a comfortable home. Though it may be tempting to simply lower the temperature on a thermostat and bear the chilly repercussions, there are several ways to reduce your hydro bill while staying warm and cozy.
Consider the following ways to reduce your monthly hydro expenses:
- Look for and seal any areas where heat may escape from your home, especially around windows and doors.
- Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are away from home.
- Check the temperature setting of your water heater and insulate it to prevent heat loss.
- Ensure that your vents and radiators are not blocked. This will allow warm air to circulate through your home freely.
- Open window curtains and blinds during the day to let the sunlight warm your home, and close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
- Check your furnace filter and replace it if dirty.
- Have all HVAC systems inspected by a professional before winter, and repair any leaky ductwork.
- Shut the doors and close the vents to rooms that you are not using. Doing so will allow you to heat the rooms that are in use more efficiently.
Consider Other Sources of Energy Waste
There are other small ways that energy can be saved to reduce bills year-round. Consider taking shorter showers, fixing leaky taps, using energy-efficient LEDs instead of incandescent light bulbs and unplugging electronics when they are not in use.
Saving money in the long term
By following the above steps, not only are you saving money on hydro costs, you are protecting your investment as well.
Making sure things like windows and doors are sealed properly will prevent ice buildup and damage to these areas in the future. If the seals to your doors and windows are not maintained, ice buildup and moisture can begin to damage not only your doors or windows, it can also damage the finishing work around it including your trim, drywall, curtains, and floor transitions.
Unblocking vents and radiators and making sure you change your furnace filter regularly will prevent your heating system from overworking itself which will maximize the lifetime of your furnace.
In both of these cases, you are saving money in both the short term and the long term.
Speak to one of our Personal Lines Insurance Brokers
To ensure you are getting the most out of your policy, contact an expert at Jones Insurance today at 807-343-9444.
