Nothing says winter like getting those first enormous utility bills. Between higher energy rates and frigid temperatures, heating your home gets expensive fast. But does staying cozy mean you have to break the bank?
No! In fact, Christmas just came early. In this blog post, we’re going to give you some simple tips to save on heating costs and trim away at your heating costs. That way you can warm your house without busting your budget. You’ll keep the cold out all season long for a fraction of the price.
Know Your Home’s Thermostat
The first step to heating your home affordably is knowing your thermostat. That means finally using all those buttons on your remote! Energy efficiency is essential when reducing home heating costs. For example, by simply lowering the temperature, you could be saving yourself some money. In fact, every degree less lowers the cost by up to 1% of your total bill. Easy, right?
To take it a step further, if you have a modern heating system, it should have an option you to schedule or automate your temperature. If you want more energy savings, program your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re away or sleeping. Go for 68°F during the day, 65°F at night (or while away from home). It’s even possible to purchase a smart thermostat that lets you adjust the temperature from your phone so you can lower it when you’re on the go.
Bundle up
About to go lower your thermostat but realized you were already shivering? Don’t worry, we have another solution: Wear warmer clothes or more layers, cover up with more or heavier blankets, and consider buying an energy efficient space heater for the rooms you’re using most (space heaters typically cost anywhere from $50 – $400). Keeping your body warm means you can set the thermostat lower.
Zone Control
If you have a multistory home, using zone control allows you to only heat the levels you’re using. There’s no need to heat unused bedrooms or basements as much. Zone control kits are easy to install on most existing furnaces and boilers.
Insulate
If your bill is unexpectedly high this month, warm air could be leaking out of your home causing your heating vents to work harder to replace that heat, which uses more energy. That means you’re getting the same temperature while paying more.
Air leaks are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in homes. Sealing air leaks and drafts can help lower your heating bills by up to 20% each year.
Finding Your Home’s Leaks
Start by finding where hot air is escaping. On a windy day, slowly move your hands along walls, windows, doors, attics, basements, and crawl spaces to feel for air leaks. You may also want to use a smoke stick or incense stick – the smoke will indicate where air is flowing from. Here are some common spots for air leaks:
- Windows | Doors: Especially older or poorly installed ones. Caulk and weather-strip windows to seal the leaks.
- Attics: Add weather-stripping or door sweeps to trapdoors and install an attic access door insulator. Seal any cracks between the attic floor and walls.
- Plumbing Penetrations: Wrap any pipes that go into walls, floors, attics, or basements. Caulk around them to seal air leaks.
- Recessed lights: Insulate recessed lights that vent to attics or basements.
- Fireplace dampers: Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use. Install glass doors or a chimney balloon to seal it off completely.
Fixing Leaks
Once you’ve located the leaks, it’s time to seal them up. Things such as Caulk, sealant, weather-stripping, and door sweeps can all help reduce drafts. For small cracks around windows, doors, siding, or other places around the house, caulk is very effective. Larger gaps may require weather-stripping – it can be something like door sweeps, door shoes, or strips for windows.
Sealing air leaks is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy costs this winter. Do a complete check of your home and seal as many leaks as possible. Your energy bill and cozy comfort level will thank you!
Want to Save Money on Heating? Save by Getting a FREE PHONE!
If you’re reading this blog, it probably means you’re trying to save money on heating. So why not save money by qualifying for a FREE phone with FREE unlimited data? With the average phone bill being around $166 in the United States, that’s a lot of money you could be spending on heat!
EASY Wireless is offering incredible free plans to those who’re participating in government assistance programs like Lifeline & ACP. So what are these programs?
Lifeline & ACP Programs with EASY Wireless
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Here at EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so you can always stay connected to your friends & family, even when on a budget. Here’s what you receive with us:
What Benefits Do You Receive With EASY Wireless?
Upon qualifying for one of the programs above with EASY Wireless, you will receive the following benefits:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Car Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the household income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!