10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue rising, you might be on the lookout for ways to reduce your usage and save money. While big investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems certainly make your home more efficient, you can lower energy costs sooner with very little up-front investment. Here’s how.

1. Check Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The cost of a new filter can pay for itself by promoting efficiency, ensuring proper airflow, and stopping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home should feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a new filter in place.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Maintain the temperature around 70 degrees or cooler through the winter and increase it to 77 degrees or warmer over the summer. Then, choose clothes that suit the season to help you stay comfortable.

3. Get a Programmable Thermostat

If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, get a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly via energy savings by allowing you to program setback periods while you’re away or sleeping. Automatic temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can program remotely for additional opportunities to save.

4. Prioritize Annual HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers a good return on investment. First, it pays you back by lowering your energy bills. After all, a tuned-up HVAC system runs more effectively than a poorly maintained one. You also lessen the risk of breakdowns and the necessary repair costs. Plus, your equipment is able to last a few years more when you keep up with maintenance today.

5. Uncover and Resolve Air Leaks

Air leaks may occur wherever a couple of building materials are found. Try to find and seal up these leaks to keep your home comfortable and decrease the strain on your HVAC system. Here are some tips:

• • Replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors close more tightly.

• • Re-caulk the cracks around windows and doors to avoid air leaks.

• • Add expanding spray foam near wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and other penetrations in your home’s walls, ceilings and floors.

• • Shut the fireplace damper anytime a fire isn’t burning.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Advantage

In the summer, your goal is to reduce solar heat gain. Shutting reflective curtains over the windows during the afternoon is an easy way to accomplish this. If your budget has room, you could also plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By choosing deciduous trees, you can enjoy plenty of shade over the summer while still allowing the sun to heat your home for free throughout the winter.

7. Use Water Wisely

Conserve this limited resource and reduce your water bills with the following tips:

• • Take short showers rather than lengthy baths.

• • Install low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.

• • Turn off the water when you’re shaving and brushing your teeth.

• • Repair drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as soon as possible.

8. Turn Things Off

Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can shut them off with the flip of a switch when they aren’t being used. While you’re at it, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to avoid small amounts of “phantom” energy use.

9. Swap Out Your Light Bulbs

Do you still use old incandescent bulbs at home? Exchange them for LEDs to save nearly 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decline since LEDs work about 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

10. Run Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the power hogs of the home. Save money with any of these tips:

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

• • Adjust the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and wrap it in an insulating blanket.

• • Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

• • Don’t use the heated-dry function on your dishwasher.

• • Line-dry clothes when possible.

• • Heat food in the microwave rather than the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.

• • If your utility provider charges more for electricity during “peak times,” strive to use any appliances during low-peak periods.

Get Help Reducing Home Energy Costs

A lot of cost-cutting measures relate to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help making use of these tips, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We supply affordable maintenance and repair service, as well as cost-effective installation and replacement services. In addition, with financing options available, even big upgrades will match your budget. For more information about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.