Let’s face it, energy bills these days are expensive. So, it’s no wonder you want to find ways to cut costs and save money. The good news is that there are many ways you can reduce your energy bills, many of which don’t require much effort or cost.
Here are ten top energy-saving tips to help you swap from high to low energy bills.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency. It can help you determine where you’re spending too much on utilities and point you in the right direction for improvement. It can also help you save money and make your home more comfortable.
Once the inspection is finished, the technician will give you a report containing recommendations for improvements that could save you money in the long run. You may need to spend a little money to carry out the improvements, but they’ll lead to low energy bills in the long run.
Make Sure Your Home is Insulated
Your home’s insulation is essential for keeping your bills low. It keeps your house warm in winter and cool in summer. In fact, the EPA states that a well-insulated home can reduce your utility bills by up to 11%.
Insulation helps prevent hot or cold air from getting into your home.
Made from different materials such as fiberglass and cellulose, the insulation traps air inside, keeping it from escaping through the walls and ceiling of your house. It also reduces the moisture levels in your home, which can help prevent mold and mildew.
Insulate Your Water Heater
One place, in particular, you should consider adding insulation is your water heater.
Water heaters are generally located in unheated home areas — such as basements or garages — so they aren’t insulated by the rest of the structure. As a result, the water inside can lose much of its heat through its outer shell. Add some insulation to this area, and it will help keep the water warm.
The best way to do this is with a foam-insulating jacket cut and shaped for a perfect fit. You can usually find these at any hardware store, but if you have questions about which one to use, talk to an expert first.
Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Off-peak hours are when utilities charge less for electricity, usually in the overnight or early morning hours. Utilities call this “time of use” billing because it considers when you use power, not just how much you use. So buying electricity during off-peak hours can save you money because utilities typically charge less.
Change Your Air Filter
Air filters are an often-overlooked component of energy efficiency. They’re easy to forget, but they can make a big difference in your home’s comfort level.
Air filters keep out dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that can irritate sensitive lungs and trigger asthma attacks. A clogged filter means your HVAC system has to work harder, using more energy.
Regularly replacing your air filter during HVAC maintenance extends the life of your HVAC unit and helps you get those low energy bills.
Lower the Settings on Your Thermostat
You can achieve low energy bills by lowering the temperature on your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and lowering the temperature by one degree every hour after you leave in the morning until returning at night.
You can also install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on whether people are at home.
Landscape for Shade
Shade gardens are a great way to save money on energy bills by reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. Not only that, shade gardens provide other benefits, such as increased privacy and reduced noise pollution.
Replace Your Showerhead
Low-flow shower heads use less than 2 gallons per minute (GPM) to deliver the same amount of water as older models. They come in two basic types: aerators, which screw onto existing shower heads, and complete units that replace them entirely. Both types can help you conserve water and help lower your energy bills.
Use LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are a great way to save energy. In addition to lasting longer, LEDs also use less energy than other bulbs. So even when they’re brand new and bright as can be, they’ll use less energy than a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb — which means you’ll save money on your electricity bill.
Make Sure to Get HVAC Maintenance and Tune-Ups
If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, the first thing you should do is schedule an HVAC tune-up. A tune-up will keep your system running at optimal efficiency and prevent unexpected costly repairs.
Need HVAC maintenance? Get affordable HVAC care with the professionals at SWAN.
