10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue to rise, you are probably on the lookout for ways to reduce your usage and save money. Even though 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 virtually no up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.

1. Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter monthly and replace it when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever happens first. The cost of a new filter pays for itself by promoting efficiency, guaranteeing proper airflow, and keeping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home will quickly feel more comfortable and have cleaner indoor air with a new filter in place.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Maintain the temperature at 70 degrees or lower during the winter and raise it to 77 degrees or warmer for the summer. Then, wear clothing that suits the season to help you stay comfortable. 

3. Get a Programmable Thermostat

If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, upgrade to a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly thanks to energy savings by letting you program setback schedules while you’re at work or sleeping. Automated temperature recovery means you save money without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can program remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Prioritize Annual HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers a great return on investment. For starters, it pays you back by lowering your energy bills. After all, a tuned-up HVAC system runs more efficiently than a neglected one. You also lower the risk of equipment failures and the required repair costs. Plus, your heating and cooling is more likely to live a few years longer when you take good care of it today.

5. Find and Resolve Air Leaks

Air leaks may occur wherever multiple building materials come together. Locate and seal these leaks to keep your home comfortable and decrease the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a few tips: 

  • Remove and replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors are sealed more tightly.
  • Re-caulk stationary cracks around windows and doors to prevent air leaks.
  • Put in expanding spray foam close to wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and other penetrations in your walls, ceilings and floors.
  • Shut the fireplace damper when a fire isn’t being lit.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit

During the summer, your goal is to block solar heat gain. Shutting reflective curtains over the windows in the afternoon is an easy way to handle this. If your budget allows, you can also try to plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By choosing deciduous trees, you can enjoy cooling shade in the summer while still helping the sun to heat your home for free during the winter. 

7. Use Water Effectively 

Conserve this limited resource and save on your water bills with these tips:

  • Take short showers instead of long baths.
  • Secure low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
  • Shut off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth.
  • Repair drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes right away.

8. Keep Electronics Off

Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can shut them off with the flip of a switch when not in use. Additionally, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to prevent small amounts of “phantom” energy use. 

9. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

Do you still have old incandescent bulbs around the house? Exchange them for LEDs to save up to 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also go down as LEDs last about 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

10. Use Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the energy hogs of the home. Save money with these tips:

  • Shut windows and doors when starting the furnace or air conditioner.
  • Turn down 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 function on your dishwasher.
  • Line-dry clothes when the weather is warm.
  • Heat food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.
  • If your local utility provider charges more for electricity during “peak times,” try to use any appliances during low-peak periods.

Get Help Lowering Home Energy Costs

Many cost-cutting measures relate to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help making use of these tips, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide affordable maintenance and repair support, along with cost-effective installation and replacement services. In addition, with financing options available, even big-ticket upgrades will fit your budget. For more info about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.

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