With the typical bone-chilling winters and rising energy costs, many DMV residents are looking to save on their utility bills. The D.C. area has one of the nation’s highest energy costs. Local electric and gas utilities have recently raised rates, significantly increasing energy bills for residents in the District and surrounding areas.
Sure, you could grab your earmuffs, mittens, and layered clothing to stay warm while you turn down the thermostat, but it won’t be very comfortable. The truth is that from small cracks in windows and doors to replacing weatherstripping and improving insulation, there are many ways your handyman can help you save up to 50% or more on winter utilities without giving up your comfort.
Focus On Major Appliances for Big Savings
Improving efficiency for your home’s biggest energy users is the key to locking in long-term savings.
Lights
Lighting is another significant energy user, often accounting for 15% to 20% of your electric bill. Switching from old incandescent bulbs to LED lights will take a big bite out of your bill, saving up to $300 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since LED bulbs last for several years, you will replace them much less often.
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
At about 60-70% of utility costs, your heating and cooling system represents the majority of your energy bill. Here’s how your handyman can help you save on winter utilities:
- Winter Tune-Up: Cleaning air vents, replacing the air filter, and scheduling a pre-winter tune-up are critical steps your handyperson can take to help maintain your HVAC system at peak efficiency.
- Smart Upgrade: Installing a smart thermostat can take a bite out of your bill by learning your habits and optimizing your temperature settings.
If your HVAC unit is 10 to 15 years old, replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient unit can save you up to 30% on heating and cooling costs.
Washer and Dryer
In addition, your washer and dryer are significant energy consumers. Each load can cost between $1.50 and $3.00, depending on the unit’s age and efficiency. So, here are some ways your JW Home Improvement® handyman can help you save:
- Dryer Vent Cleaning: This is a vital, often-overlooked area. Clogged dryer vents force the machine to run longer and harder, increasing both energy consumption (electric and gas bills) and fire risk. Your handyperson pro can service your vents to keep them clean and free of obstructions, including pests and kinks in the line that prevent heat from escaping.
- Efficiency Upgrade: Upgrading to more energy-efficient washer and dryer models and doing fewer, larger loads can help you save $50 to $100, or more, annually.
Insulation
Most homeowners rarely think about insulation after they move in, but it is the thermal barrier of your home – keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. If it’s old, compressed, or compromised, it’s costing you money. Insulation degrades over time, especially when it becomes damp from condensation or a water leak. Pests, such as termites, cockroaches, and mice, devour the cellulose in the insulation like candy, and insects nest inside as a blanket for warmth.
Your JWHI professional handyman can inspect your current insulation levels. Adding more quality insulation into your attic, walls, and around ductwork will prevent heat from escaping and keep the cold air out, putting immediate energy savings in your pocket.
Doors & Windows
Sometimes the most significant savings come from the most overlooked areas of your home—the places where your expensive heat “evaporates” into thin air. Most D.C. area residents don’t realize how much of their money gets wasted through drafty doors and windows. In fact, air leaks can account for a significant portion of your home’s heat loss.
Your JW Home Improvement® handyman can help you save here, too:
- Caulking and Weatherstripping: Replace worn-out weatherstripping around doors and windows and apply fresh caulking. It is a simple fix that seals major air leaks and provides immediate savings on your utility bills.
- Glazing & Sealing: For older or single-pane windows, professional re-glazing and sealing can significantly reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills.
Call Your JWHI Handyman to Save On Winter Utilities
Winter is going to be cold, and snow will be piling up, but your energy costs don’t have to. JW Home Improvement® offers exceptional handyman services that can save money on utilities for residents across the Southern Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Metro area, including communities like Petworth, DC; Montgomery County, MD; Laurel, MD; Beltsville, MD; Monrovia, MD; Greater Landover, MD; Great Fall, VA; Ashburn, VA; Leesburg, VA, and all surrounding Beltway areas.
From caulking windows and doors to HVAC repair and energy-efficient upgrades, our skilled handyman professionals are ready to help you save on winter utilities.
Stop burning money on high energy costs! Call JW Home Improvement® today, and we’ll take care of the rest. For the love of home.