The typical home spends more than $2200 a year on energy costs, according to data from ENERGY STAR®. Anything you can do to save on energy costs will mean more money to put toward those other items in your monthly budget. There are several options available for lowering your electric bill.
More and more homeowners are experiencing high energy costs and are looking for ways to save on energy expenses. The more you save on energy, the more money you have in your home budget to take care of other monthly costs. Here are some energy-saving tips to help you get started:
Perform an energy audit
A home energy assessment also called a home energy audit, can help you see how your home uses energy. The home energy audit identifies problem areas and suggests solutions to help you save money and make your home more comfortable. A professional can conduct a home audit or use a DIY home energy assessment method.
Properly Insulate
Did you know you can save up to 10% on annual energy costs by insulating their homes and sealing air leaks around the exterior? Adding weather stripping to doors and caulking around windows are examples of energy-saving solutions, while larger projects could include sealing leaks and insulating the attic.
Adjust thermostats
Lowering the temperature at night helps many sleep better, but few realize that it can reduce your monthly utility costs. Since it is usually cooler inside a home at night, less energy is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. To keep most homes comfortable throughout the morning, you won’t have to turn on the air conditioner again until late afternoon. Instead, you can buy programmable thermostats that automatically adjust your temperature settings.
Change filters for home HVAC systems
The most efficient operation of a home’s electrical furnace system requires routine inspection and repair. Never changing your furnace filters can be hazardous to your health and your family’s health. If you want peak performance, you should change your filters twice a year, once in the fall and spring. If your filter is clogged with dirt, it cannot operate at maximum efficiency.
Replace regular bulbs with LED bulbs
While the upfront cost of switching from incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs may seem high, the long-term savings in energy usage is worth it in the long run.
Incandescent light bulbs only last roughly 750 hours, while many LEDs can last for up to 25,000 hours. Therefore, the cost of LED lights is not significant when considering the cost of buying the number of incandescent bulbs you’ll need to use for 25,000 hours.
Turn off the lights
It is easy to neglect to turn off the lights when you leave a room; many of us forget. Though it may seem simple, constantly leaving the lights on can increase energy costs. Turning off the lights is a simple and effective way to lower monthly electricity costs.
Unplug appliances when not in use
A simple way to save on energy costs is by unplugging appliances when not in use. For example, leaving the entertainment center plugged in will cost you electricity even though you are not using it. A good rule of thumb is to unplug appliances not used monthly.
Saving on electricity is necessary to keep your home budget intact. You can use the tips above to maximize your home energy savings. But don’t stop there–always be looking for new ways to save on electricity and other ways you can save money.