Your electric bill is one of those expenses that change every month. Electricity is a necessity and unfortunately, many homeowners have resigned to paying hefty energy bills every month. However, that doesn’t need to be true. There are lots of ways to lower your energy consumption. You can save money and cut down the carbon emission of your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Seal Your Home
One of the most effective tips to conserve energy in your home is by sealing it. That way, you can keep your cool or warm air from escaping. Get a professional to help you seal all cracks. If you have drafty doors or windows, seal them with weather stripping material. Your contractor may also help you identify holes, tears, and signs of leaking ducts.
Comparison
Consider using comparison sites to get the best deals for your electricity and gas prices. Since energy costs have risen dramatically over the recent past, staying on top of the sharpest rates can be a problem. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it alone, as Electricity Monster advises that you work with reputable comparison sites. The best ones are free and reliable, and you won’t regret it once you start doing it.
Skip the Fire
Even though using your fireplace to heat up the room may seem like a good idea, it isn’t. The fireplace flue will suck up heated air from your room and pass it up the chimney. Therefore, you may be losing a lot of the heated air. If you really want to enjoy the warmth of a fire, consider investing in insulated tempered glass doors. You get to enjoy the added warmth without wasting energy. Ensure that the fireplace flue damper is well-closed when not in use.
Upgrades
Consider making a few upgrades to save energy. If your HVAC system is old, it may be spending more energy than necessary. Upgrading will help you save money and energy as modern systems are built for efficiency. When unsure, get the opinion of your HVAC technician. They will help you pick the right-sized systems depending on the needs of your home. If it is too big for your house, you will be wasting energy. If it is too small, you may not be getting the convenience you deserve.
If your major appliances are outdated, consider replacing them as well. You may need a new washer, refrigerator, and dryer. The best ones have the Energy Star logo.
Use Your Windows
Consider using your windows to let in light during the day. If you aren’t leveraging natural lighting to improve energy efficiency, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. During winter, it would be wise to keep your curtains, blinds, and shades open. They provide you with natural light and warmth.
When the sun sets, close your window coverings to reduce heat loss. Heavy draperies are a great idea for winter especially if your windows are inefficient.
Adjust Your Habits
You don’t need to make major improvements to save energy in your home. Simple habits could have a major effect. One simple yet effective habit change is turning your lights off every time you leave a room. Consider washing your laundry in cold water and unplug appliances that aren’t in use. You may also have to curb your video game and TV habits.
If you like taking baths, consider taking more showers instead. That way, you can lower the amount of hot water used in your home. When cooking, use smaller pots, pots, and pans to save heat.
Scrap your dishes and rinse them clean before loading the dishwasher. That way, you can reduce the use of hot water.
Switch to Solar
Consider switching to solar as an alternative source of energy. This is the best way to save energy. Since solar energy is renewable, it is good for the planet. If you are looking for a long-term solution to your electricity problem, installing solar panels is the way to go. They provide a renewable source of energy that will save you money in the long run. It can be a big investment at first, but it’s well worth it. According to research by Zillow, houses with solar panels will sell for up to 2.6 percent more.
Monitor Your Usage
Even when you have a million energy-saving tips, they are pointless if you have no way to measure their success. Take note of your usage by going through your monthly bills in detail. Most utility companies offer energy audits. They show you how your energy is being spent and how your consumption can be lowered.
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever have to make. However, paying for it isn’t a one-time thing. You must be prepared to foot lots of recurring expenses. Energy bills are some of the biggest and most consistent expenses. You can lower them by making a few simple changes.
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