10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home
As energy rates continue to increase, you might be on the lookout for tips to cut back your usage and save money. Although big-ticket investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems absolutely make your home more energy efficient, you can reduce energy costs right away with very little up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.
1. Change the HVAC Air Filter
Check the filter monthly and change it when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever comes first. The cost of a new filter pays for itself by promoting efficiency, ensuring proper airflow, and keeping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home will quickly feel more comfortable and have cleaner indoor air with a fresh filter in place.
2. Set Your Thermostat for Energy Savings
Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or lower in the winter and raise it to 77 degrees or higher in the summer. Then, dress for the season to help you stay comfortable.
3. Put in a Programmable Thermostat
If you still use an old manual thermostat, look for a programmable model. This kind of thermostat pays for itself quickly in energy savings by letting you program setback schedules while you’re away from home or in bed. Automatic temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can adjust remotely for even more opportunities to save.
4. Keep Up with Annual HVAC Maintenance
Preventative maintenance provides a great return on investment. For starters, it pays you back by slashing your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system runs more effectively than a poorly maintained one. You also lessen the risk of equipment failures and the associated repair costs. Additionally, your heating and cooling is more likely to live a few years longer when you care for it today.
5. Uncover and Fix Air Leaks
Air leaks may occur wherever multiple building materials are connected. Locate and seal these leaks to keep your home comfortable and decrease the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a few tips:
- Try to replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors are sealed more tightly.
- Re-caulk any cracks around windows and doors to prevent air leaks.
- Put in expanding spray foam close to wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other penetrations in your home’s walls, ceilings and floors.
- Close the fireplace damper whenever a fire isn’t being lit.
6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit
During the summer, you should try to block solar heat gain. Putting reflective curtains over the windows in the afternoon is a simple way to handle this. If your budget permits, you could also plant trees on the south and west sides of your property. By selecting deciduous trees, you can enjoy cooling shade over the summer while still helping the sun to heat your home for free throughout the winter.
7. Use Water Effectively
Conserve this key resource and lower your water bills with some tips:
- Take short showers rather than long baths.
- Put in low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
- Shut off the water when you’re shaving and brushing your teeth.
- Fix drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as soon as possible.
8. Keep Electronics Off
Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can turn them off with the flip of a switch when you are not using them. Additionally, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when you don’t need them to avoid small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption.
9. Replace Your Light Bulbs
Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? Swap them out with LEDs to save nearly 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decline because LEDs work about 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.
10. Operate Appliances Efficiently
Appliances are the electricity hogs of the home. Conserve energy with these tips:
- Shut windows and doors when starting the furnace or air conditioner.
- Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and wrap it in an insulating blanket.
- Only use the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
- Disable the heated-dry functionality on your dishwasher.
- Hang your clothes outside to dry when the weather is warm.
- Reheat food in the microwave rather than the oven or stove, particularly on summer afternoons.
- If your utility provider charges more for electricity during “peak times,” aim to use your appliances during low-peak periods.
Get Help Reducing Home Energy Costs
A lot of cost-cutting measures are directly related to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help making use of these tips, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We offer affordable maintenance and repair work, along with cost-effective installation and replacement services. In addition, with financing options available, even big-ticket upgrades will fit your budget. For more details about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.
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