10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue rising, you are probably on the lookout for strategies to reduce your usage and save money. Even though big investments like replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems certainly make your home more energy efficient, you can lower energy costs sooner with little to no up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.

1. Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter once a month and change it when it appears dirty, or every three months, whichever happens first. The cost of a new filter can be recouped by promoting efficiency, guaranteeing proper airflow, and stopping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home should feel more comfortable and have cleaner indoor air with a fresh filter in place.

2. Change Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or lower during the winter and increase it to 77 degrees or warmer over the summer. Then, dress for the season to help you stay comfortable. 

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you still use an old manual thermostat, look for a programmable model. This kind of thermostat pays for itself quickly in energy savings by allowing you to program setback schedules while you’re away from home or in bed. Intelligent temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever losing your sense of comfort. Keep an eye out for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can program remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Keep Up with Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers an excellent return on investment. First of all, it pays you back by reducing your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system works more efficiently than a neglected one. You also lessen the risk of breakdowns and the required repair costs. In addition, your heating and cooling is more likely to last a few years longer when you keep up with maintenance today.

5. Uncover and Fix Air Leaks

Air leaks may occur wherever two building materials are connected. Find and fix these leaks to keep your home comfortable and decrease the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a few tips: 

• Try to replace old weatherstripping to help windows and doors are sealed more tightly.
• Re-caulk stationary cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
• Add expanding spray foam close to wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other penetrations in the walls, ceilings and floors.
• Close the fireplace damper anytime a fire isn’t lit.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit

During the summer, your goal is to shut out solar heat gain. Shutting reflective curtains over the windows through the afternoon is an easy way to do this. If your budget allows, you can also plant trees on the south and west sides of your property. By looking for deciduous trees, you can enjoy cooling shade for the summer while still enabling the sun to heat your home for free in the winter. 

7. Manage Your Water Use 

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

• Take short showers instead of longer baths.

• Install low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
• Shut off the water when you are shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Deal with 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 turn them off with the flip of a switch when they aren’t being used. At the same time, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to avoid small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption. 

9. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

Do you still use old incandescent bulbs throughout the house? Exchange them for LEDs to save nearly 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decrease as LEDs live about 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

10. Run Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the electricity hogs of the home. Conserve energy with any of these tips:

• Shut windows and doors when using the furnace or air conditioner.

• Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and add an insulating blanket.
• Only use the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Switch off the heated-dry functionality on your dishwasher.
• Line-dry clothes when possible.
• Heat up food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, particularly on summer afternoons.

• If the utility provider charges more for electricity around “peak times,” strive to use energy-heavy appliances during low-peak periods.

Get Help Reducing Home Energy Costs

Many cost-cutting measures are directly related to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help implementing these tips, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable maintenance and repair work, as well as cost-effective installation and replacement services. Additionally, with financing options available, even big 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 office today.