8 Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill This Winter
Cold weather has a way of showing up on your electric bill. The good news is that many of the most effective fixes are small, cheap and doable in a weekend. Start with the ones that fit your home and work your way down the list.
1Seal the drafts you can feel
On a cold, windy day, walk slowly around your home and pay attention to where you feel moving air. Common culprits include gaps around windows and exterior doors, electrical outlets on outside walls, attic hatches, and spots where pipes or cables enter the house. Every leak lets warm air out and cold air in, making your heating system work harder.
Many fixes are inexpensive and take only an afternoon. Weatherstripping can tighten up doors and windows, a door sweep can block the gap at the bottom of an exterior door, and caulk can seal small cracks around trim. Foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls are another quick, easy improvement.
For larger problems, such as gaps around the attic or a drafty fireplace, consider having a professional take a look. A home energy assessment from your utility or a qualified contractor can pinpoint where you are losing the most heat, so you spend your effort where it is likely to matter most.