Our energy bills are taking a toll on all the cold weather. You’re not alone if your home energy bill is more expensive than usual. But how can you lower your energy bill and stop paying hefty monthly fees?
There are many ways you can start saving energy at home. If you don’t want to change your lifestyle, figuring out how to cut your energy use can be tricky. Luckily, there are other options.
Keep reading to learn how to reduce your energy bill at home.
1. Utilize Natural Light
During the day, open shades and curtains to allow natural sunlight to provide illumination and warmth. Take advantage of the summer months when the sunlight is most abundant. To help with the heat, open windows and use fans to provide air circulation and cooling.
You can also close shades or curtains on colder days to retain heat. Utilizing natural light can also be coupled with other energy-saving measures, such as adjusting your thermostat, sealing any drafts, and ensuring your doors and windows are closed when the air conditioner is running.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enables you to automate temperature settings to best fit your lifestyle and achieve energy-efficient temperatures at optimized times. It allows you to set different temperatures for different times during the day. You need to select the temperature higher during the day when you’re not home and lower at night when you are in the house.
The convenience of setting a schedule that fits your lifestyle makes it easier for you to save energy when you’re not home. Furthermore, a programmable thermostat can also be adjusted to turn off or on by sensing when you’re home or away. It eliminates the need to adjust temperatures manually.
Once the thermostat is properly installed and programmed, it will automatically keep energy costs low while maintaining comfort levels in your home.
3. Unplug Unused Appliances
Items such as toasters, microwaves, and computers draw power, even when turned off and not in use. Additionally, many of these products also contain transformers in their right, which can cause spikes in your energy bill. By simply unplugging these unused appliances, you can see an immediate decrease in your energy bill.
Moreover, if you are gone for a while, unplug any electronics to ensure that they are not running while you’re gone! Unplugging appliances can not only decrease your energy bill but also maximize the life of your devices.
4. Regularly Replace Your HVAC Filters
A clean filter exerts less effort to push air through it, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. Also, regularly changing the filter helps keep dirt, dust, and debris from clogging the system, thus preventing your HVAC from overworking.
The filter should be changed at least every three months or when it looks dirty and clogged with debris. In addition, you should have your HVAC serviced and inspected regularly to ensure that the system is clean and free from blockage or clogs. Doing this can also help to ensure your energy bill stays low and your system runs efficiently.
5. Energy Efficient Appliances
Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges can all use more energy than is necessary for the job that it does. Ensure that you purchase and install only energy-efficient models of these appliances. In addition, energy-efficient lighting in your home, such as LED bulbs, can save you a significant amount on your energy bill.
Finally, turn off all appliances and lights when they are not needed. While relatively mundane, it can reduce your energy usage and, in turn, your energy bill.
6. Using Window Coverings
Installing blinds or curtains on the windows effectively blocks the sun’s heat and keeps the temperature in the house cooler during summer. Furthermore, insulated curtains will help keep heat inside during winter. To maximize insulation, it is best to use curtains covering the entire window, not just a portion.
By using window coverings to block out the sun’s heat, you can reduce energy bills by up to 15%. Additionally, you can use window shades with adjustable slats, which can block out the sun’s heat depending on the sun’s angle.
7. Utilizing Solar Power
You can start generating electricity by installing solar panels while eliminating dependence on traditional electricity providers. Homeowners may also purchase a solar power system to power portions of their homes by converting sunshine into electricity.
They may also choose to install a solar hot water system that won’t require electrical elements. Solar panels are also easy to install, requiring little maintenance and occasionally saving you money.
Homeowners can also look into solar energy tax incentives to help reduce the cost of installing their solar power system. If you are considering having solar panels, navigate to this page for more in-depth information.
8. Seal up Any Drafts
Sealing up any drafts or areas in a home that allows air to escape is one of the best ways to conserve energy and reduce a home’s energy bill. To increase the effectiveness, homeowners can use weatherstripping around doors, install thresholds under exterior doors, and use door sweeps.
Additionally, homeowners should replace old, inefficient windows with newer, weather-tight, and energy-efficient models. Ensuring that walls, roofs, and attics are insulated can seal air drafts and prevent heat from escaping.
9. Home Energy Audit
These audits will assess your home’s energy use and ultimately identify where any energy efficiency improvements can be made. An energy audit can also identify potential renewable energy sources and any rebates that may apply to specific energy efficiency projects.
Taking advantage of energy audits can reduce your energy bill, save you money in the long run and even help you contribute positively to the environment.
10. Weatherproofing Your Home
Weatherproofing your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills. Installing weatherstrips around doors, windows, and other openings outside can help keep cold air out during winter and hot air out during summer months.
Adequate attic insulation is also vital for energy-cost savings, as insulation is designed to keep your home’s interior temperature consistent. Lastly, regularly check your HVAC system and replace its filters to keep it running at peak efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Plan Ahead to Reduce Your Energy Bill
You can reduce your energy bill at home by following some simple steps. Invest in energy-efficient appliances, use curtains to add insulation to your windows, implement low-flow showers, and prefer cold water over hot to reduce the energy required for washing. Try these tips today to help you reduce your energy bill.
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