How to Lower Your Utility Bills in Salt Lake City This Winter
Winter utility bills in Salt Lake City can be a shock when heating costs, water heating expenses, and electricity usage all spike at the same time. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take right now to lower utility bills in Salt Lake City without sacrificing comfort. From simple thermostat adjustments to smart HVAC efficiency improvements, this guide gives you proven ways to save money this winter.
Understanding Your Winter Energy Costs
Before you can reduce your bills, it helps to understand where your energy dollars are going during the cold months.
Where the Money Goes
For the average Salt Lake City home during winter, heating accounts for the largest share of energy costs, followed by water heating, lighting, and appliances. The long heating season, typically October through April in the Salt Lake Valley, means your furnace runs for six or more months each year. Combining heating efficiency improvements with water heating savings produces the biggest impact on your total winter utility costs.
Heating Efficiency Improvements
Your furnace and heating distribution system offer the most opportunity for energy savings.
Thermostat Management
A programmable or smart thermostat is one of the most cost-effective energy investments you can make. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature while you sleep and when the house is empty. Even lowering the temperature a few degrees during these periods can produce noticeable savings on your monthly bill.
- Set a comfortable daytime temperature when you are home
- Program a lower setback temperature for sleeping hours and work hours
- Avoid dramatic temperature swings that make your furnace work harder
- Use the schedule function consistently rather than manually adjusting
Air Filter Maintenance
A dirty furnace filter forces your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and reducing equipment lifespan. In Salt Lake City's dusty conditions, check your filter every month and replace it when it looks dirty. This simple task costs very little and can make a measurable difference in your heating efficiency.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and pipe penetrations allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. Caulking and weatherstripping these gaps is affordable and can be done in a weekend. Pay special attention to:
- Gaps around window and door frames
- Electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls
- Where pipes and wires enter through exterior walls
- The attic hatch or pull-down stairway
- The junction between the foundation and the house framing
Duct Sealing and Insulation
Leaky ductwork can waste a significant percentage of the heated air your furnace produces. If your ducts run through unheated spaces like attics or crawl spaces, heat loss through duct leaks and poor insulation is even more pronounced. Professional duct sealing and insulation pays for itself through reduced energy waste.
Water Heating Savings
Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in most Salt Lake City homes. Several simple changes can reduce this cost.
Lower the Temperature Setting
Most water heaters are factory-set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but 120 degrees is sufficient for most households. Lowering the setting reduces standby heat loss and energy consumption without a noticeable impact on comfort.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes
If your water heater tank is warm to the touch, it is losing heat through the walls. An insulating blanket wrap reduces standby heat loss. Insulating the first several feet of hot water pipes leaving the tank also helps hot water arrive at your faucets faster, reducing waste.
Fix Leaks and Drips
A dripping hot water faucet wastes both water and the energy used to heat it. Fixing leaks is an easy win that saves on both your water and energy bills. Even a slow drip adds up to a significant amount of wasted heated water over a winter season.
Additional Energy Saving Strategies
These supplemental strategies can further reduce your winter utility costs in the Salt Lake City area.
- Use ceiling fans in reverse: Set fans to rotate clockwise on low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling
- Let the sun help: Open south-facing curtains during the day to gain free solar heat, then close them at night to insulate
- Insulate your attic: Adequate attic insulation prevents heat from escaping through the roof, which is where most homes lose the most heat
- Schedule furnace maintenance: A professionally tuned furnace runs more efficiently, and a clean system uses less energy. Schedule your annual furnace tune-up before the heating season
- Use space heating wisely: Portable heaters can warm occupied rooms while lowering the whole-house thermostat, but only if used strategically. Never leave space heaters unattended
The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver program provides a full library of home energy efficiency resources for every climate zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by lowering my thermostat?
According to energy efficiency experts, lowering your thermostat by a modest amount for eight hours while you sleep or are away can produce meaningful annual savings on your heating bill. The exact amount depends on your home's insulation, the local climate, and your utility rates.
Is it cheaper to keep my house at a constant temperature?
No. It is more efficient to lower the temperature when you are away or sleeping and raise it when you need comfort. The myth that reheating a cold house uses more energy than maintaining a constant temperature has been debunked by energy researchers. Setback thermostats save money.
Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Closing vents is not recommended. Modern HVAC systems are designed to heat the entire house. Closing vents creates pressure imbalances that can actually increase energy consumption and stress your equipment. Instead, adjust the thermostat for the whole house.
When should I upgrade my furnace for better efficiency?
If your furnace is over 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can reduce your heating costs significantly. Modern furnaces have efficiency ratings of 95 percent or higher compared to 80 percent or less for older units. Ask your HVAC technician about the payback period for an upgrade based on your current system and usage.
Contact Valley Plumbing Today
Valley Plumbing helps Salt Lake City homeowners save money on winter utility bills with professional furnace maintenance, water heater service, and energy efficiency upgrades. We serve Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Provo, Orem, West Jordan, Pleasant Grove, Midvale, Millcreek, Riverton, Herriman, and South Jordan. Contact Valley Plumbing today to schedule a service that pays for itself in lower utility bills.
