Despite the impending rise of temperatures resulting from Global Warming many people around the world will be feeling very cold and miserable this winter. It is a season that still catches people off guard in terms of its short days and long cold nights. Many people also suffer from SAD (seasonal adjustment disorder) from the lack of sunlight. January is tough. People have huge credit card bills to pay as a result of their Christmas celebrations, and summer holidays seem like an eternity away. We are stuck in doors and utility bills tend to spike. Here are a few ways to reduce your bills this winter.
Cut Electricity Consumption
In winter we spend more time inside with the heating on. It gets dark sooner so we have the lights on for longer. There are some important green interior methods that you can use to reduce electricity consumption. The first is to install (if you haven’t already) a good programmable thermostat. The best are those with the Energy Star approval seal. A programmable thermostat allows you to match your home heating with your movements so no electricity is wasted over-heating an empty house or apartment. Using a programmable thermostat correctly can cut 30% off your heating bills.
Another simple way to lower monthly electricity bills is to change from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although CFLs cost a little more than regular light bulbs they last on average 13 times longer and use 75% less electricity. Over a year changing just 5 light bulbs to CFLs can save you $100.
Improve Insulation
One of the reasons why some people’s heating bills are so high in the winter is that their homes are poorly insulated. This means that heat is rapidly lost from a house. To prevent heat loss it is a good idea to put insulation in the roof space and to change wooden frame windows to uPVC windows with double glazing.
Cheaper ways to improve insulation in a home is to block drafts from under doors, draw the curtains and to shut doors to trap the heat. Any type of improvement to the insulation of a home or apartment will result in lower monthly bills.
Stay Active and Healthy
In winter people often tend to sit around and watch the TV for hours. This not only increases electricity consumption but also reduces body heat. Lack of activity makes the body colder. Exercise, on the other hand, increases body heat and increases body levels of adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine that make us feel happier. Exercise is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Furthermore, going for a jog or going down the gym means you spend less money on heating the house or watching TV.
In the same vein, eating healthy foods means the body’s immune system is working better and so you won’t feel the cold as much. You need plenty of greens, fruits and vitamins in the winter.
By reducing your electricity consumption, by improving home insulation and by looking after yourself better and not spending the long winter nights ‘vegging out’ in front of the TV or computer you can significantly reduce your winter bills. Maybe you will save enough to afford tickets to that summer holiday location you have always dreamed of going to.
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