home livingWinter is here—that means your furnace is going to be working overtime to keep your family warm. Heating your home accounts for nearly 50 percent of your energy usage, so our skilled Carrier technicians are sharing easy and practical ways you can lower your energy bills:

  1. Unplug energy-draining appliances and electronics, like TVs, computers, cable boxes, and coffee makers. These systems use electricity even when switched off because they’re plugged into an electrical source. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that about $10 billion is wasted every year by these inactive gadgets. Unplug these electronics or consider using a power strip to control multiple devices at once, without the hassle of plugging in and unplugging them.
  2. Adjust your schedule and put chores off to the side. Doing your laundry and dishes outside of peak energy hours can save you a bundle on your yearly costs. Peak hours are typically between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This is when most people are using electricity, therefore the cost is higher. Check with your local provider to see what they define as peak hours—and try to save laundry for the weekend and do dishes later in the evening.
  3. Take care of your heating system and it will take care of you. Have you had your furnace tuned up for winter? A simple Clean & Check includes a thorough inspection and cleaning to ensure your system is operating efficiently—and can extend it’s lifespan. Change or clean your air filter regularly to make sure it’s not clogging or inhibiting airflow. And set the temperature back when you’re sleeping or away from home to save money.

Additional ways to save include washing your laundry in cold water, using fluorescent light bulbs, and closing your fireplace damper when you’re not using it. Want more tips from our experts? Read how using a ceiling fan during winter can actually help your family feel warmer!