How to Reduce Winter Utility Bills

With the price of natural gas and electricity increasing rapidly, many homeowners are considering ways that they can save money on their energy bills this winter. Here are some helpful tips on how to reduce your utility bills, even during cold days.

#1: Replace doors and windows.
If you walk by the doors and windows in your home and feel drafts, it’s frustrating. These cold drafts are not only chilly, but they indicate that warm, heated air is making its way outside and cold air is getting in. That translates to wasted energy. Not to mention, your furnace system is working harder than necessary. When this happens, your utility bills will be high. New, energy efficient windows and doors are a great solution! Not only will they keep you comfortable and warm during the winter, but they’ll keep cool, air-conditioned air inside during the summer. Also new windows minimize outside noise from making its way into your home, so you can relax in a quiet space. We proudly carry a variety of window and door products from top-rated brands, such as Milgard, Simonton, ThermaTru, Simpson, and more! Our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors will work with you to determine which products are best for your space and your budget.

#2: Cut back on electricity usage.
Are there appliances or electronics that you aren’t using? Unplug them. This small, simple to-do can mean big savings over time. Battery chargers, DVD players, gaming consoles, toasters, or microwaves are just some ideas that could be unplugged when you’re away from home or if you don’t plan on using them frequently.

#3: Don’t neglect your furnace preventative maintenance.
You rely on your heating system to keep you warm and cozy all winter long. But part of making it run efficiently is making sure it’s tuned up regularly. Professional HVAC maintenance ensures that all the internal parts of the system are working at peak efficiency and not using excess energy. Also, save energy by changing or cleaning your furnace air filters. When debris and dirt build up on the filters, it causes the system to work harder to get the warm air inside through the vents. This increases energy usage and causes utility bills to skyrocket.

We’ve worked with homeowners and business owners around the Pacific Northwest for over two decades. We enjoy helping them get their buildings and homes updated with new, energy efficient windows and doors. If conserving energy is a priority for you, contact us to learn more about our home improvement services.