You are most likely wasting money on products that you cannot see. Energy usage is one of the most commonplace bills Americans see monthly. If you stumble into some ridiculous energy expenditure, you might want to consider improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Increasing the quality of your energy usage is something that every homeowner should strive for. Not only will it help you reduce your carbon footprint, but it will reduce your energy bill. People all over the country waste money on power and heating bills. If you make a strong effort implementing the following tasks, your planet and wallet will thank you.
The first step to lowering your energy bill is, obviously, to lower the amount of unnecessary electricity you are using. There are several ways to do this. Start by making sure you and your family are adopting conservative energy habits.
Turning off lights, thinking about when you use your air conditioning or heating, and reducing your time on TV or computers are all effective ways to conserve energy. You can also reduce your electrical usage by unplugging devices you do not intend on using regularly. Think about what devices you have on, and try to live more consciously.
If you are not sure where your energy is being used the most. It could be wise to perform an energy audit. While you could perform one of these yourself using an online checklist, you might consider asking a professional auditor for help.
Audits can cost a pretty penny, but if you are losing hundreds of dollars from energy loss, the investment can send up saving you money. Auditors will inform you on problems with your home’s electricity, will let you know if electricity is being wasted from outdated appliances, or can inform you of better energy practices.
The environmentally friendly citizen might think about installing solar panels into their home. Again, solar panels cost a lot of money up front, but they can severely reduce your energy bill coming from the city. Solar energy is much cleaner and more eco-friendly than using electricity powered by fossil fuels.
There are several positives and negatives to using solar energy, though. If you plan on doing solar installation yourself, it can take a long time to properly fix one up to your home. There is also a risk in damaging equipment (or yourself) while installing your panel.
If you want to ensure your electrical usage goes down, you need to make sure you have back-up options in case of emergency. Depending on your area, you might find excellent energy alternatives to use during a crisis.
Propane has become more popular in recent years. There are various sizes of propane tanks depending on your needs and how much energy you consume. Some people have wood stoves for heating during power outages in the wintertime. These options give you more flexibility and ensure your power bill will not be expensive if an energy crisis occurs.
Another thing that will drive up your energy costs is air escaping your home. While proper insulation can slow the movement of warm air you are pumping into your house, your doors and windows might also hold some of the blame.
Weatherstripping is important for you to look at before the beginning of the winter season. Because of this technique, you can prevent cold drafts from coming into your home, and save big on your energy prices. Caulking is a similar process, but applies to walls and other stiff surfaces with holes in the wall. These investments may cost a lot up front, but you will be surprised by the money you save.
If you are using old, inefficient light bulbs, you are probably spending far more on power than you should be. Most landlords choose to buy cheap light bulbs as a price cut for them, but the price impacts their tenants. Incandescent bulbs do not work as well, do not light up the room as well, and are incredibly lackluster.
LED light bulbs are the best alternative to traditionally used light bulbs. These curly lights are providing a brighter source of light. You will immediately see an improvement in the way your home operates and looks. Check online to see what the favorite bulbs are.
Not only could your light bulbs be giving you problems, outdated electronics might be draining your home’s power faster than you realize. Because older products tend to wane in quality over time, you might be spending money on a refrigerator that barely functions. These older appliances were not meant to be used in modern conditions.
When you perform an energy audit (or if you hire a professional) ask them what their understanding is regarding your appliances. Are they outdated? Do you need to buy more efficient products? A detailed auditor will help you know what your next course of action is.
This is an easier step, but an essential one. You need to set your HFAC system up to a timer. HFAC system improvements especially help overnight when the cold temperatures can cool down your home naturally. If you are not able to set a specific timer on your system, consider contacting a specialist to improve your air conditioning set up.
By strategizing when your air conditioning and heater are on, you will be able to save money simply by being smart. This is a hands-off tactic that can save you a solid amount of money. These measures will drastically reduce your carbon footprint as well.
Reducing your energy usage can be a tough feat, but establishing goals to reduce your expenditure is a great step. Talk with your auditors to see what improvements and changes need to be made first. After you do this, consider the long-term investment you will make on each purchase, and find a way to fit it into your budget.
If you cannot fit everything into your budget, make one change at a time. By thinking green, you will be able to help save money and make a better mark on the world.
Ready to improve your home? Contact us so we can start your remodeling project!