Electricity can be quite expensive, so how can you save? This helpful guide lists 10 simple ways to save electricity at home.
Does it seem like you spend more on energy bills every year? If so, you’ve come to the right place for help.
When it’s hot outside, keeping your home cool and comfortable can be challenging. The same is true of the winter months when it’s important to keep your family warm. It’s not easy to save money when energy costs continue to rise.
That’s why you need to learn some valuable tips for reducing energy costs all year round. This article takes a look at ways to save on electricity at home during the hottest and coldest months. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on changes you can make so that your home will be more energy-efficient.
1. Change Your Air Filter
The first tip for reducing energy costs is to change the HVAC air filter frequently.
It’s important to understand that a dirty air filter will cause your HVAC system to run less effectively. That means the unit won’t cool your home as efficiently, resulting in a less con comfortable living environment and higher energy costs.
Air filters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at your local hardware store, so buy extras and keep them handy.
2. Unplug Devices that Aren’t in Use
Many people get in the bad habit of leaving devices plugged into outlets even when they aren’t being used. This is a huge waste of electricity.
Homeowners need to understand that devices are using energy even when the device isn’t turned on. If fact, you might be very surprised just how much these energy vampires are costing you each month.
The best strategy is to use a powerstrip for your devices and then unplug the powerstrip when specific devices aren’t in use. Keep in mind that Bradford insulation can be easily added to walls and ceilings at any time, for a fairly modest price, and will make a huge difference on your energy bill.
3. Replace Weather Stripping
As windows and doors age, the weather stripping around them age well. And as weather stripping gets old and brittle, it won’t be as effective at keeping warm out of your home during the summer or the cold air during winter months.
It’s a good idea to check your weather stripping at least once a season to make sure it’s not letting in a draft. Keep in mind that weather stripping can be found at any hardware store and is easy to replace.
4. Add Insulation
Is your home properly insulated? If not, this can result in a tremendous amount of wasted electricity.
Your best bet is to hire a professional to assess your insulation. They can then offer suggestions about how to best keep your home as energy-efficient as possible.
Keep in mind that insulation can be easily added to walls and ceilings at any time, for a fairly modest price, and will make a huge difference on your energy bill. Thus it’s an investment that will more than pay for itself in the long run.
You can also opt for conservatory window, film such as those you can purchase from Purlfrost, to control excess heat and glare.
5. Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed
Keep your window curtains and blinds closed during the summer is a great way to reduce energy costs. After all, warm sunlight can heat up the interior of your home rather quickly. Keeping them covered will keep rooms cooler and help your HVAC unit to run less.
This is a simple tip that can make a big difference, especially when gets super hot outside.
6. Install Solar Panels
It’s no secret that solar energy is one of the best ways to save tons of money on your electric bill. After all, energy from the sun is totally free.
In fact, once you’ve installed your solar panels, you won’t have to pay another dime for the electricity used inside your home.
This is a great way to significantly reduce your monthly energy bill while also doing your part to protect the environment.
These solar installers can help.
7. Turn Off Lights in Empty Rooms
Leaving the lights on in empty rooms is another bad habit that many people fall into. This is a totally unnecessary waste of energy.
After all, it’s pointless to have lights on in rooms that aren’t in use. The good news is, this is a bad habit that you can easily break.
One solution is to use motion sensors in rooms to automatically turn out lights. This is the ideal way to save money because even if you forget to touch the light switch, the sensor will remember every time. It’s a minor investment that will likely save you at least a few dollars every single month.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Now let’s talk about your windows. The simple truth is that old windows don’t insulate your home as well as new energy-efficient windows. This can ultimately result in rising energy costs with each passing year.
Take a close look at your windows. Can you feel a draft coming in around them? If so, this is a sure sign that you need to consider an upgrade.
Newer windows will help keep your home much more comfortable year-round, while also helping reduce your electricity bill. This is an investment that is definitely money well spent.
9. Learn the Proper Setting for Your Thermostat
Are you in the habit of keeping your thermostat set too high during the summer? That’s a bad habit that can cost you big. Most HVAC experts agree that the ideal temperature for your home is around 67 degrees, especially during the summer.
Keep in mind that it won’t do you any good to turn it up super high when you come home to a very warm house. Better to set it at 67 and let it slowly cool down.
10. Install a Programmable Thermostat
The quality of your thermostat can have a major impact on how efficiently your HVAC system operates. Investing in a programmable thermostat enables you to set it at specific temps throughout the day so that electricity isn’t wasted while you’re away from the house. This is obviously good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet.
A Guide to Ways to Save Electricity at Home
When it comes to saving money, every dollar counts. Fortunately, this guide to ways to save electricity at home will help you save as much every month as possible.
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