For most homeowners, preparing for the winter season means dealing with higher electric bills. After all, cooler temperatures and darker days often mean staying inside more—utilizing your furnace and interior lighting to their fullest extent. Thankfully, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower costs with the help of an experienced electrician and the following tips.

How to Spend Less on Your Electric Bills in Winter

1. Upgrade Your Thermostat

Your thermostat controls your heating system and can contribute to high energy bills if it's outdated or damaged. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. These newer models allow for full temperature customization.

For example, you can preprogram them to lower the furnace when your family is out during the day to save money. If your home isn't wired to accommodate this upgrade, an electrician can rework your circuits or replace your electrical panel.

2. Don't Leave Appliances on Standby

Electrical devices like coffee makers, microwaves, and televisions often go into standby mode when not in use. However, they can draw significant amounts of power during these periods. Therefore, talk to your electrician about installing smart power strips.

When you plug your devices into these power savers, they will be automatically shut off when they are not being utilized. There is also an option to provide a low level of power for appliances that need it. 

3. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Many families and friends gather during the winter holidays. Unfortunately, having houseguests can raise electric bills because lights and appliances will be used more frequently. However, some of these devices might be taking up more than their fair share of your home's electricity. 

Hire an experienced electrician to inspect your home's electrical system and identify any issues that could contribute to excessive energy consumption. They can also determine which appliances are the most electricity-intensive so that you can switch them out for more energy-efficient models.

Though this will involve an upfront investment, the drop in utility bills often means homeowners can save money long-term, especially since rebates are available for many ENERGY STAR® rated devices. You can also swap out traditional lights for LEDs for even greater savings.

If you need assistance from a skilled electrician to reduce your energy consumption this winter, reach out to the team at ABC Electric Company, Inc. Located in Lincoln, NE, this contractor can perform an energy audit or help you install your new, energy-efficient devices. They also offer convenient, 24/7 electrical services for emergencies. Learn more about their capabilities online. Schedule an appointment today by calling (402) 435-3514.