Homeowners are often fraught with higher energy costs in the winter months, particularly in the northern regions with extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Electricity prices to heat the home are greater than it costs to cool the house in the summer. 

People tend to spend more time around their homes in the winter, increasing energy usage. That’s especially true with shorter days; lights come on sooner, and people enjoy varied entertainment.  

Plus, visiting increases with the holidays, bringing close friends and family together more so than at other times of the year. That means extra cooking and baking, more dishes to wash, not to mention the holiday lights and decorations. A point to ponder for most is how to get cheaper electricity, especially in the winter. 

How To Reduce Energy Costs in the Cold Months of Winter 

Most people’s objective is to get the cheapest electricity throughout the whole year but it’s especially true in the winter months. Usage is higher, increasing the desire to cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint.  

Of course, we can’t have a dark house for the holidays. In fact, people vie to have the most glorious lights. But there are still things you can do to cut corners in other areas to enjoy some of the season’s perks.  

Follow this link https://bestestrøm.no for guidance on getting the cheapest electricity rates, and then continue below to learn a few tips on cutting costs this winter. 

Weatherstripping windows and doors 

When there are cracks, crevices, or gaps around windows and doors, not only does the cold winter air come into the home, but the warm air you create inside escapes.  

You can control this pattern by weatherstripping around the frames. You can also use door “sweeps” along the bottom of the door to the frame to maintain climate control. Some people will even use standard door draft blocks to prevent air from coming in at the base of the door where there’s usually a gap. 

Homeowners should also use caulk for cracks and crevices between window/door frames and walls or glass and trim boundaries to prevent air leaks. You’ll also want to look at switch plates, plumbing, and attic hatches to see if air is coming in around these areas. 

A smart thermostat is an innovative approach 

Technology is bringing new and innovative ways for homeowners to cut electricity costs in their homes in the winter. One of these is a programmable smart thermostat capable of helping you fine-tune when the heating system runs.  

You can have the furnace set to a lower temperature when away from home or at night and then rise when you’re home and active. This helps to optimize your energy costs without diminishing your comfort. 

Following optimum fireplace functionality 

Typically, fireplaces get a workout in the winter, especially during the holidays. These are the coziest gathering places for family and close friends on a cold, blustery winter evening. With the holiday lights shimmering, people find the scene particularly warm and cheery. 

The downside to this scene is the electricity costs when heat escapes through the chimney if you forget to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. There are a few ways to enjoy the charm of a fireplace while still conserving electricity. 

Instead of using wood as the fuel source, some people choose to transition to gas, a much more efficient option. Another energy saver is to install a fireplace screen, glass doors. You will enjoy the heat from the fire but prevent the heat from the house from being pulled into the firebox and out through the chimney. 

HVAC preventive inspections and routine maintenance are essential 

Your heating system will run much more efficiently and offer an extended lifespan if you enlist the services of a heating expert to perform regular preventive inspections and routine maintenance before the heavy winter season sets in.  

Usually, techs are scheduled in the fall to ensure the furnace is ready to handle the season. The heating repair contractor aims to detect defects, signs of deterioration, and any potential damage to the system.  

The repair tech will recommend any repairs that must be made and follow through with the corrections as requested. When minor issues are fixed early, it prevents the possibility of major problems or, worse, a breakdown, leading to the potential for a system replacement. 

You can cut costs when keeping the furnace operating smoothly and efficiently. When it doesn’t need to work as hard, heating the home is less expensive. 

Laundry should only be done when necessary 

It would be best if you only washed and dry loads of laundry when you have enough to do a full load. This saves significant amounts of energy compared to doing a few pieces at a time for a single load.  

You might believe doing laundry more often in smaller loads will cut costs, but doing a small load takes as much energy as a regular full load. 

In fact, when you do more, smaller loads compared to one or two full loads, you’re wasting electricity and water. Filling the washer with a reasonably sized load only once or twice a week will cut costs and conserve water, a valuable resource.  

It will also save you time from having to do your washing so often. No one wants to do laundry every day. Pick one or two days a week and load that washer up.  

Also, consider avoiding the dryer altogether. Invest in a clothesline. The laundry smells incredible after drying in the outdoors. If you live in a frigid climate, you might not like the idea of putting wet clothes out in the brutal winter.  

But you can find indoor clothes racks that allow drying without the expense of using the dryer. It can be reserved for heavy linens. Go here for details on when you can expect the lowest electricity rates. 

Final Thought 

While the winter season tends to be expensive for homeowners with electricity, you can find ways to cut energy costs without sacrificing the holiday bliss. Follow a few of these tips and look to your utility provider for additional suggestions.