Every winter, we cringe when the utility bill arrives. We naturally use more electricity and heat when the cold sets in, but there are many bad habits that we carry over from the other seasons that add to the madness. No one is saying that you should be cold during the winter, but your life could be just as cosy as it is now, but without the utility bill hike.

All you need to do is drop your bad habits and pick up a couple of good ones that will help you save energy in your home. Adding some new tech will also make a dent in that utility bill. Here are the top 5 energy-saving tips for 2021.

By tweaking daily habits, you can save a considerable amount of energy. Here are the top 5 energy-saving tips for 2021.

Upgrading your electronics

Although there is an initial cost of upgrading your electronics, the return on investment cannot be argued against. The thermostat in your home should be electronic, which will help you control the heating easily. How much control you want is a matter of preference, but more control means more savings.

Replacing all the old incandescent light bulbs with LEDs will also help in saving some serious energy and money. When it comes to appliances, then you should look for energy-efficient models with A-ratings. The longer you hold on to that ancient toaster, the more energy you waste.

Start being smart about powerstrips

Many people are unaware that their appliances and electronic devices still consume electricity, even though they are switched off. Some experts estimate that close to 75% of our electronics’ use of electricity is when they are supposedly turned off. You can stop phantom loads by using smart power strips.

These power strips turn off the electricity at a predetermined time and stop any electricity from draining. There are even smart strips with built-in timers and sensors that automatically switch off after a period of inactivity. In the end, you could save a great deal of energy with the minimum effort.

Lower the temperature

Whether they want to cool the house down or heat it, most people do not realize how much energy is wasted because of the temperature regulation in the house. By adjusting the AC and boiler by only a couple of degrees north or south of where it normally is, you can make a good amount of saving on the utility bill.

This method of saving energy does not cost a cent. Rather, it will have a direct influence on your energy usage. All that is necessary is to play around with the temperature and find a setting that is suitable to your taste.

Most people will not even notice a drop or rise in temperature if it is decreased or increased by 2 degrees. You can even reduce the geyser’s heat to lower energy consumption and no one will be the wiser.

Do some insulation maintenance

As time goes by, all houses deteriorate and need a bit of fixing up. The insulation of the house is one of the first aspects that need attention. As soon as there are leaks in isolation, all the heat that was generated starts to escape. Initially, it might not seem like a lot, but over time the heat escapes much quicker.

Stopping all the leaks is a task that should not be rushed, which is why a technician with an infrared light will save you a world of frustration. Once an initial run-through of the house has been done, then the technician can determine if there are any fine leaks or cracks that were missed. While on the topic of insulation, it would not hurt to replace the single-pane windows in your house with double glazing windows.

Adopt energy-saving habits

By tweaking daily habits, one can save a considerable amount of energy. Generally, people can waste more energy than they think. Practically, there are many ways in which you can save energy, but finding the areas where you waste is the tricky part.

Take a week and keep a strict journal of your energy use habits without changing your routine. While making observations, most people come to realize where their energy is wasted. From this point of realization, it is easy to make minor adjustments.