As the sun sets earlier, and a slight chill appears in the Los Angeles air, we may begin to turn on the thermostat. But there’s no fun in paying a huge electric bill. So, we’ve put together some top tips to help you save on your electric bill this fall and winter.

Keep Curtains Open During the Day

The sun is a great source of energy, and it’s free! Make the most of this free energy source by opening your curtains during the day. It won’t take long for the sun’s bright rays to warm your home.

Image: a woman holds her curtains open to see a sunny day outside. An easy way to save on electric bills this fall and winter is by opening your curtains when it's sunny out to get some natural heat.

Of course, winter sunlight is weaker than summer sunlight, but it still has enough power to heat your home, especially if your home’s south-facing. But don’t forget to close curtains at night for privacy and insulation. You don’t want chilly drafts sucking away the warmth.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Most people leave their heating systems on longer than necessary. And it’s easy to forget to turn them off when you dash out the door to work or the shops.

Remedy this with a smart thermostat that automatically schedules itself according to your daily routine — turning off when everyone leaves for work and turning back on when someone returns home.

The best bit? According to Energy Star, a smart thermostat can reduce your energy bills by up to 8%.

Don’t Run Appliances During Peak Hours

It’s surprising how much running household appliances adds to your energy bills. And if you’re running them at peak time, you end up with a hefty bill.

Running your appliances during off-peak hours means running them when the rates are lower. In Los Angeles, the peak hours are between 4pm and 9pm. This means hold off on washing clothes, running the dishwasher, or any other appliances until after 9pm or before 4pm.

Put Rugs Over any Hardwood or Concrete Floors

Keep your home toasty warm by covering cold floors with beautiful rugs. Rugs act like a blanket, keeping the heat inside your home. Not only that, but rugs also protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and stains.

Dress for the Season in Cozy Sweaters

Layering is a tried-and-true way to stay warm when the temperature drops. It’s easy to adjust your body temperature by adding or taking off clothing.

Image: a woman holds a ceramic mug close to her chest. Wearing sweaters and actually dressing for the colder weather can help lower your electric bills.

Wool layers are great because they’re warm and breathable, making them ideal for keeping you comfortable. It’s finally time to pull out the cozy sweaters for those chillier evenings.

Change Your Air Filter

Changing your heating air filter is essential for keeping your furnace or heat pump running efficiently. A dirty filter restricts airflow, reducing the amount of heat being transferred into your home by the furnace or heat pump.

The result? Higher utility bills and a shortened lifespan for your unit. If you aren’t sure how to change your air filter, speak to an HVAC professional.

At Adeedo, we recommend changing your air filter at least twice per year. Once in the spring before you start running the AC and once in the fall before it’s time to turn on the furnace.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Scheduling regular furnace maintenance is the best way to keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently.

Image: an open furnace system with a technician taking system readings. Always schedule HVAC maintenance to keep your system as efficient as possible.

In many cases, a furnace only needs to be cleaned and inspected once a year. However, if you burn wood or coal in your furnace or use it frequently during the winter, you may need to schedule more frequent maintenance checks.

Get rid of Phantom Loads

A phantom load is an energy drain that you don’t see but costs you money like an energy-sucking vampire. Appliances in your home that continue to draw electricity even when not turned on are classic examples. These devices (like chargers and televisions) still use power, impacting your monthly electric bill.

Remember to unplug appliances where possible to prevent these extra energy costs.

Seal Air Gaps in Windows and Where Pipes Enter the Home

Sealing air leaks around your home, reduces energy bills while also making your home more comfortable. Some air leaks, such as those around windows and doors, are easy to identify. Others require a little searching, but lower electric bills make it worthwhile.

Use Cold Water for Laundry

Cold water is the best way to wash your clothes. It’s not just a way to save money on your electric bill; it also helps keep clothes looking newer for longer. Cold water washing doesn’t agitate or fade colors like hot water – saving you money on wardrobe costs as well as lowering electric bills.

Image: White laundry machine against a white wall. Washing your clothes in cold water will help your clothes and your bills.

Reset Your Water Heater

The more efficient your water heater is, the less energy it uses and the lower your electric bill. Try resetting your water heater to 120 degrees. Or turn it off altogether when not at home. Only use hot water when essential – showers are more energy-efficient than baths.

Or even better, create a layer of insulation around your hot water tank to keep water warmer for longer.

Ready to save on electric bills this Southern Californian fall and winter? Speak to one of our HVAC experts to find out more.

How to Save on Electric Bills This Fall and Winter