Want to enjoy low energy bills but need help figuring out where to start? There are many ways to lower household energy usage, some of which are easier than you might think.
By making small changes around your home, you can make a big difference in how much money you spend each month.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit takes a close look at the way your home uses energy and helps to identify ways to save money. It’s a great way to find out if there are ways you can reduce your utility bills, improve the comfort of your home and help protect the environment.
A professional auditor will come to your home, inspect it and use their expertise to identify areas where you could save money and energy. Then, they’ll make recommendations for improvements that are easy to do on your own or with help from a handyman or contractor.
You may need to spend some money on improvements, but these will pay for themselves quickly in low energy bills.
Make Sure Your Home is Insulated
If your home isn’t insulated properly, it will let in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer. This makes it more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, leading to higher energy bills.
In addition, improper insulation could lead to moisture buildup on your walls and ceilings, which can cause mold growth. This can be especially dangerous for people with asthma or allergies.
Check with a professional as to the type of insulation your home requires.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulating your water heater is an easy, cost-effective way to save money on your energy bills.
Energy Star state’s water heaters are the second largest energy consumer in most homes, accounting for about 20% of all residential energy usage.
Insulating the tank itself will help conserve heat and reduce energy waste. You can do this by adding a layer of foam around the outside or by placing an insulating jacket over it. Any local hardware should carry the products you need for this.
Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
You can save money on your utility bill when you use your washing machine, dishwasher, or other high-energy-consuming devices during non-peak times
The reason is that utility companies charge more for electricity during peak hours than in off-peak hours. So, if you run devices at peak times when your utility company charges the most, you’ll pay more.
Change Your Air Filter
Changing your HVAC air filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to save money on utility bills. Most homeowners don’t realize that their HVAC system has to work harder than it should because of a clogged or dirty filter.
It’s simple math: If you have a dirty filter in your unit, you’re asking it to work harder to move air through it than it would if you put in a clean one. The result will be a higher monthly utility bill.
The good news is that changing your HVAC air filter regularly is easy and inexpensive. Contact your local HVAC maintenance experts and book a tune-up.
Lower the Settings on Your Thermostat
Believe it or not, lowering the thermostat by just one degree can save up to 10% on your annual heating bill.
Also, turning off heaters when they’re not needed, like when you’re asleep or away from home, will save you money.
And on top of that, you could try using a programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set your home’s temperature throughout the day and night, which can help save money on heating bills.
Landscape for Shade
Shady trees, shrubs, and groundcovers can make your yard more comfortable and beautiful. And they will also keep your home cooler.
Trees that grow quickly and reach their mature height within several years are best for providing shade in the short term.
Replace Your Showerhead
Energy-efficient shower heads are one of the easiest ways to save money. Fit one with a low-flow spray pattern and cut back on your water and energy bills without affecting your shower routine.
Use LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs use a lot less energy than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. This means they’re a great option for those who want to save money on their electricity bills.
They’re also more durable than other lights because they don’t break easily, so they don’t need replacing as often.
Make Sure to Get HVAC Maintenance and Tune-Ups
When it comes to heating and cooling, a properly maintained system is more efficient and uses less energy, which saves you money.
A tune-up can help you avoid costly repairs by identifying any problems before they become major ones. It also improves your system’s efficiency, reducing monthly utility bills and prolonging your equipment’s life. Prevention is better than cure with HVAC systems.
Need HVAC maintenance? Get affordable HVAC care with the professionals at Moore Home Services.
