As energy rates continue to increase, you are probably on the lookout for ways to cut back your usage and save money. Although larger investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems certainly make your home more energy efficient, you can lower energy costs today with little to no up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.
1. Check Your HVAC Air Filter
Check the filter monthly and change it when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The cost of a new filter can be recouped by encouraging efficiency, ensuring proper airflow, and stopping the HVAC equipment from getting too hot. Your home will also feel more comfortable and have cleaner indoor air with a new filter in place.
2. Set Your Thermostat for Energy Savings
Maintain the temperature around 70 degrees or cooler during the winter and adjust it to 77 degrees or warmer in the summer. Then, choose clothes that suit the season to help you stay comfortable.
3. Put in a Programmable Thermostat
If you still use an old manual thermostat, get a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly thanks to energy savings by letting you program setback schedules while you’re away or in bed. Intelligent temperature recovery means you save money without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can adjust remotely for additional opportunities to save.
4. Prioritize Annual HVAC Maintenance
Preventative maintenance offers a great return on investment. First, it pays you back by lowering your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system performs more efficiently than a poorly maintained one. You also lessen the risk of equipment failures and the necessary repair costs. Plus, the system is more likely to live a few years longer when you care for it today.
5. Locate and Fix Air Leaks
Air leaks can form wherever a couple of building materials come together. Try to find and seal these leaks to keep your home comfortable and minimize the strain on your heating and cooling. Here are some tips:
- Replace old weatherstripping to help windows and doors close more tightly.
- Re-caulk the cracks around windows and doors to avoid air leaks.
- Add expanding spray foam close to wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other penetrations in your home's walls, ceilings and floors.
- Shut the fireplace damper when a fire isn’t being lit.
6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit
In the summer, you should try to block solar heat gain. Closing reflective curtains over the windows through the afternoon is a simple way to handle this. If your budget allows, you can also try to plant trees on the south and west sides of your property. By selecting deciduous trees, you can enjoy plenty of shade over the summer while still allowing the sun to heat your home for free in the winter.
7. Use Water Effectively
Conserve this limited resource and save on your water bills with these tips:
- Take quick showers rather than lengthy baths.
- Secure low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
- Shut off the water when you're shaving and brushing your teeth.
- Deal with 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 turn 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 minimize small amounts of “phantom” energy use.
9. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs
Do you still use old incandescent bulbs throughout the house? Replace them with LEDs to save nearly 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also go down as LEDs last about 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
10. Run Appliances Efficiently
Appliances are the power hogs of the home. Conserve energy with these tips:
Shut windows and doors when running the furnace or air conditioner. Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and install an insulating blanket. Only operate the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Switch off the heated-dry functionality on your dishwasher. Line-dry clothes when the weather is warm. Reheat food in the microwave instead of the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons. If the utility provider charges more for electricity through “peak times,” strive to use energy-heavy appliances during low-peak periods. Get Help Reducing Home Energy Costs
Many cost-cutting measures relate directly to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help applying these tips, get in touch with Matz-Rightway. We provide affordable maintenance and repair work, as well as cost-effective installation and replacement services. Additionally, with financing options available, even big-ticket upgrades will suit your budget. For more info about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Matz-Rightway office today.