It’s that time of year again. We put up Halloween decorations and spend Thanksgiving with the family before we line up for the Black Friday sale. We put up Christmas decorations next, and we enjoy the merry winter season of December before tackling work again in January. Amid all of these, we struggle to keep our bodies and homes warm. Because of this, we pay more than we usually do to the electric companies.
Dropping Temperature
Your heat pumps from Whangarei or other cities work harder during colder months. Although heat pumps are more economical than other heating systems, they work harder when there is a huge gap between the temperature outdoors and indoors. This means that the heating system is using more energy to convert and distribute heat around the house.
You’re Home More
During winter, people stay home more often and go out less. The cold weather makes people want to stay indoors as much as possible. It is also nicer to cuddle in bed, watch your favourite TV series, and sip hot cocoa when snow is falling in torrents outside. But because you’re staying more indoors, you’re using lights, heat, electronics, TV, and other small appliances. In December, your kids are at home, too, because of the winter break.
The Holiday Decorations
Since it’s the holiday season, you’re most likely putting up decorations—from Halloween to Christmas. This takes a toll on your electricity bill. Putting up festive lights and other decorations will eat on your energy savings. If you’re enthusiastic about lighting displays, you’re going to have to face the fact that your energy bill will be much higher during these months.
Now that you finally know what causes your energy bill to spike during the winter season, what can you do about it?
- Be smart with how you use your heating system. You should choose only the parts of the house that you will use the heater for. At night, use the heater for the bedrooms and make sure to close the doors and windows so that the heat won’t get out. During the day, use it for the living room and the kitchen where you will most likely stay.
- Find alternative ways to control your water temperature. Heating water makes up 25% of your total energy during the winter season. But you can cut that down by finding alternative ways to heat the water you’re going to use to take a bath or shower. For example, take shorter baths and don’t use the bathtub when it’s cold outside.
- Insulate your home. There are easy tricks to do so. You can use a clear plastic sheet and bubble wrap to cover your windows. This will prevent the heat from getting out. You can also put up heavy drapes, curtains, and blinds. During sunnier days, open the drapes to let some of the warmth in.
Yes, it’s a season to be merry and bright, but do not forget to save on your energy bills by following these tips. These will also benefit the environment in the long run. The less energy you use, the more it can replenish its resources. Be responsible both financially and for the environment.
