After an expensive holiday season, it seems like everyone is looking for ways to save a few extra dollars, especially if you’re a renter looking to buy a home in 2017. In the wintertime, when the temperature goes down, the energy spending goes up —many citizens find that winter energy bills are their largest expense after rent and groceries! Wouldn’t it be great to reduce your energy spending—and your carbon footprint—and keep your bank account happy all at the same time? Read up on the top 5 ways to save energy and money this winter so you can put your savings toward more pressing goals—like a down payment on a new home!
Embrace the Power of Sunshine
You can embrace the warming powers of sunshine by simply opening your curtains and letting sunlight into your apartment. During the daytime, open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight which will make your home look and feel warmer. Then, when the sun goes down, close your window trimmings to help keep the heat in overnight.
Turn Down the Heat—When it’s Convenient
When it’s cold outside, you may balk at the idea of turning down your thermostat, but turning your heat down at strategic times throughout the day can save you substantially on your energy usage and help you save money all year long. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests turning your thermostat down by 10 degrees for 8 hours per day for substantial savings. The best times to decrease the temperature in your home is when you will not notice it, like when you are away at work or while you are sleeping. Simply turn down the heat before you leave or go to bed, and increase it again after. This little trick can save you up to 10% on your heating bill this winter!
Make the Switch to LED Lights
Your heater isn’t the only thing using up energy in your home—your lights make up a significant portion of energy spending as well! For an easy way to save on energy, switch some of your home’s lights to LED lighting. LED lights produce more light with less heat and are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Unplug Electronics When You’re Not Using Them
You may think that turning off your electronics after you use them is saving energy, but did you know that many electronic devices continue to draw energy even when they are off or not in use? To save more energy this winter, unplug devices like phone and tablet chargers, game systems, kitchen electronics and others when you aren’t using them. That way, you can be sure that you are paying for only electricity that you are using!
Bundle Up!
One of the easiest ways to save on your energy bill this winter doesn’t have anything to do with home maintenance at all! Instead of cranking up the thermostat, bundle up a little bit while you are in your home. Invest in cozy pajamas for your family, throw some flannel sheets on the bed and leave comfortable throw blankets on chairs and couches. With an extra layer on, you won’t feel as compelled to turn up the heat, saving energy and money.
With these tips, saving energy and money this winter is easy—but wouldn’t it be great to save money on a home mortgage, too? If you think home ownership is out of your league, think again! The NC Home Advantage Mortgage™, with down payment assistance, competitive interest rates and participating lenders statewide can help make home ownership affordable so that at this time next year, you could be saving energy in your very own home!
