☰
winter savings

Making Savings in Winter!

Written By Louis Tully
Published on October 9, 2018

Tired of chasing after payday loans for financial relief? Turn off that A/C! Fall is here, and this is your chance to save big, especially before the holidays arrive. Learn how to keep energy costs low so you can give your finances a necessary boost, and use these tips to make the changing of the seasons work to your benefit.

Lower Temperature Means Lower Energy Costs

As the temperature outside begins to drop, so should your electric bill. These tiny steps can make all the difference when it comes to saving energy and money:

  • Let the sun keep you warm: If temperatures are dropping quick enough during the day, open up the blinds and let the sunlight into the house for warmth.
  • Bundle up at night: We all know it gets even colder at night this time of year. Instead of cranking up the thermostat, try bundling up under some extra blankets. Flannel works great!
  • Use your ceiling fans: On the days when it’s not so cold, try turning on the ceiling fans for ventilation. Running the fans in your home all day is still a lot cheaper than turning on the A/C.
  • Open some windows: If you don’t have fans installed on the ceilings, try opening some windows.
  • Coffee: If you’re all bundled up and still feeling the freeze, try treating yourself to a hot coffee or a hot cup of cocoa.
  • Got a fireplace or a portable heater? Use it: Another way to stay warm during the colder season is as old as time: fire. If you own a fireplace or a portable space heater, take advantage of it. It’s a lot cheaper than keeping the thermostat on 24/7.

 

energy saving lights

Ways to Save Throughout the Year

Of course, fall and winter aren’t the only times of the year where it can be easy to lower your electric bill. There are ways you could save big for the rest of the year as well by taking these steps in the future:

  • Appliances: You don’t have to do this right away, but the next time an appliance in your home breaks down, consider upgrading to a high-quality energy-efficient model. It’s well worth it.
  • Use cold water: When it comes to washing clothes, dishes and even yourself, try using cold water instead of hot. Your electric bill will go way down.
  • Change the lights: Still using the light bulbs of yesteryear? Try swapping them all out for LED ones. LED lights are not only more energy-efficient, but they can last up to 5x longer than conventional bulbs.
  • Replace your A/C filters monthly: Dirty filters means more work for your home’s A/C. To maximize the life of your A/C unit as well as keep your electric bill low, get into the habit of changing out the A/C filter at least once a month.
electric bill in winter

The Importance of a Budget

Despite all these ways that you could save on energy costs. The real savings start at your ability to budget your income. If you don’t have a proper budget plan in place, start one today! When it comes to saving money, budgeting is your best friend.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Louis Tully

Louis Tully is a full-time finance writer offering financial expertise to everyday consumers. He understands the core values of finance and used his writing talents to share his own experiences with money to his readers. His articles teach how financial failures can easily become successes by making new habits and creating realistic goals.