With the rising cost of electricity, you can spend quite a bit of money just to keep your home warm during the cold winter months. But what do you do if your budget is already stretched to its limits? The last thing you need is a sky-high energy bill.
Here are some winter energy savings tips that can help keep your bills under control—and find a way to “weather” your financial problems when you’re short on cash.
Easy Energy Savings Tips For Winter
Seal Any Drafty Areas
One of the best ways to lower energy costs in winter is to seal any spots where heat can escape and the cold air can get in.
Start with your doors and windows. Go to your local hardware store and get weatherproofing strips, window films, and door sweeps to close the gaps in the door frame. These are easy to install and don’t cost a lot of money.
You should also check the window frames for any signs of missing or cracked caulking. If these need to be fixed, get rubberized outdoor caulking which is more durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Then, check out other drafty spots in your home like in the basement, bathroom, or electrical boxes. Add extra insulation and seal gaps and cracks with silicone caulk.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
This is one of the most practical winter energy savings tips we’ve heard. Your water loses a lot of heat as it travels down pipes. Just by adding insulation, you increase the water temperature by as much as 4°F. That way, you need to use less electricity for hot showers.
Use Drapes Strategically
Thick drapes are a cheap way to improve your home insulation. However, to really lower energy costs in winter you have to know how to use them.
During the daytime, leave the drapes open so that you let in all the sunlight and let it heat up the room. Once the sun sets, close the drapes to slow down the loss of heat.
Get Thick Rugs
Look for sales on thick rugs, because they can really help your home stay warm during winter. You can use them to insulate the floors or even the walls—and make a room look really cozy, too.
Adjust Your Fan Settings
Fans don’t just cool down your home during summer! You can use them to circulate the heat during winter.
The trick is to change the direction of the fan blades. During summer, run it counterclockwise motion to push down cool air. During summer, use the reverse switch to run it clockwise to push warm air down. It’s one of the simplest winter energy savings tips, but it really works.
Move Your Furniture
This is a really great way to make the most of your home’s heating without cranking up the thermostat.
Move your furniture to warmer parts of the room, i.e. away from windows and doors. You may also want to turn certain rooms into “hot spots” where everyone can hang out, study, work, and focus your insulation and heating efforts there.
This can significantly lower energy costs in winter since you don’t have to worry about the heating for your whole house.
Switch To LED Lights
Since you are spending more on electricity to heat your home during the winter, you’ll want to lower costs for lighting and other factors in household energy consumption.
LED lights use less electricity and even last longer than other kinds of light bulbs. If you’re on a budget, just replace the bulbs in the most frequently-used rooms. Then, over the year, aim to replace one bulb at a time in your home.
Monitor The Temperature
A lot of people end up overheating their rooms and spending more than they need to. So, to lower energy costs, keep a close eye on the room temperature. If your heater doesn’t have a programmable thermostat, then get a separate one and hang it on the wall.
The ideal room temperature is about 20°C. And if you feel cold, you may want to just layer clothes before automatically increasing the heat.
Need Help With Energy Bills During Winter?
These winter energy savings tips can help lower your bill. However, just like the occasional snowstorm, there may be times when you’re short on cash or just facing a lot of unexpected winter expenses.
When this happens, Delaware Title Loans, Inc. can help. You can get an installment loan of up to $1,250 to cover bills or other financial emergencies. Plus, you can pay back the loan through fixed and regular installments that are spread out over the next several months. It may make it easier to make payments when you are on a budget, rather than having to come up with the full loan amount in one go!
Get An Installment Loan For Energy Bills Right Now
Delaware Title Loans, Inc. has a very efficient loan process. You may even be able to complete your request, get approved, and receive your money on the same day.
To get started, here’s what you need to do. First, use the form to ask for an installment loan consultation. Once received, one of our loan experts will call you to tell you more about how an installment loan works and whether you qualify. Next, go to one of our branches with your pay stub (or any other proof of employment and income), your latest checking account statement, and a valid state-issued ID such as your driver’s license.
We can quickly process your loan request so you can get the emergency cash you need when you need it (many people spend just half an hour in the store). If you’re approved, you get the money either that day or early the next business day.
Learn If You Qualify For An Installment Loan
Our loan representatives are ready to help you with your emergency installment loan. To get started now, complete the online inquiry form on the Delaware Title Loans, Inc. website. Once that’s done, your loan representative will contact you to guide you through the rest of the process. All you have to do is answer the phone!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.
