Winter months in Alberta can be chilly, which often results in higher energy bills. If you’re looking for opportunities to cut your costs, there are many ways to save energy when you live in a cold climate. Fortunately, there are regulated natural gas prices in Alberta, which can result in significant savings. Check out the tips below with both short-term and long-term plans for lowering your energy expenses.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is valuable partly because it does not have a negative impact on the environment. Some of the most popular renewable energy sources include wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass fuels and hydroelectricity. Additionally, they often serve as a cost-effective source of energy that’s used in homes and businesses. Many companies appreciate that it provides an opportunity to decrease their environmental footprint.
Heating System Maintenance
An HVAC system that’s not working optimally is a problem that can result in higher energy bills. Heating system maintenance can be as simple as cleaning out the vents and replacing the furnace filters on a more frequent basis. You can also find an HVAC service provider in Alberta that can keep your system in tip top shape.
Storm Windows
High-efficiency windows can lower your energy bills by approximately 30 percent. If you currently have single-pane windows, switching to double-pane windows will make a big difference in your monthly expenditures. Storm windows are not just beneficial during cold weather months, they’re also useful during the summer when temperatures rise.
Attic Insulation
Depending on how long you’ve had your home, there’s a good chance that you don’t have a sufficient amount of insulation. Older homes are notorious for having this issue. Adding insulation is an easy fix because you can simply improve upon what already exists. Adding loose-fill insulation is a great way to resolve the problem.
Space Heaters
In addition to taking advantage of regulated natural gas prices in Alberta, another simple solution is buying a space heater so that you don’t waste money heating up all of the rooms in your home unnecessarily. You only need to heat the rooms where you and your family spend time.
Heavy Curtains
In colder climates, heavy curtains are an efficient way to prevent the loss of heat. They can stop cold air from entering your home and hot air from leaving your home. Some people appreciate curtains because they can also add to the beauty of your home. You can choose any design style you prefer.
Sealing Cracks
Sealing cracks and drafts is important because they can cause you to waste money in cold climates. This includes cracks in doors, windows and walls. To resolve the issue, you’ll have to inspect your entire home to find out where the problems are located. There are technologies available that can help you find air leaks. You can also hire a professional to inspect your home for optimal results.
LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are all the rage because they use about 70 to 75 percent less energy than other types of light bulbs. This can make a significant difference in your energy expenses throughout the year. When LED light bulbs first became popular, they were much more expensive, but the costs have come down quite a bit.
Smart Thermostats
A greater number of homeowners are purchasing smart thermostats for their home because they can help to reduce your energy bill by more than 10 percent. In Alberta, you can program your thermostat to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year. The use of a thermostat is an affordable way to reduce energy costs.
Thicker Clothing
It almost goes without saying that you should wear thicker clothing during the winter months. Although it’s a simple solution for decreasing energy bills, it’s one that works well. While you might be used to wearing less clothing for comfort while at home, you can add another layer of clothing and still be comfortable, while saving money on energy.
As you can see, there are many ways to reduce energy consumption in your home while living in Alberta. Following the tips provided will jumpstart your efforts and help keep money in your pockets.