The Secrets to Low Energy Bills

Want to know the secrets to low energy bills? It’s not as hard as you might think. You can dramatically reduce your energy costs with some small tweaks, and the right equipment.

Here are our top ten ways to help you save on your energy bills without sacrificing your home comfort.

Get an Energy Audit

If your home is losing energy, it can be hard to figure out where it’s going. An energy audit will help you understand where your home is losing heat and cooling by using specialized detection equipment. The auditor will also suggest improvements that increase the efficiency of your home.

An energy audit is a good idea if you live in a home over 10 years old or if you’re planning to sell your home. It’ll help make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

The process involves testing your home’s airtightness, insulation levels, and ventilation efficiency. An auditor will also look for leaks in ductwork and other features that affect how well your heating system works.

You’ll receive a report of recommendations for improvements, and the auditor will usually provide estimates of how much money these improvements should save you.

Make Sure Your Home is Insulated

Insulation is one of the best investments you can make in your home. The cost will be recouped over time through lower heating bills and improved comfort.

There are two types of insulation: loose-fill cellulose, made from recycled newspaper, and batt-style fiberglass or foam board. Both provide a high R-value (the measure of thermal resistance) that helps keep heat inside during cold weather and out when it’s warm outside.

Check with a professional if you need clarification on which type your home requires.

Insulate Your Water Heater

A water heater is one of the biggest energy hogs in the home — it accounts for about 20 percent of total residential energy use.

They waste energy because they’re made of materials that conduct heat. When you insulate the water heater and cover it with an insulated jacket or blanket, you prevent heat from escaping into your home. The result is low energy bills and less waste.

Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

One easy way to reduce energy costs is by using appliances during off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are generally between 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,but it can vary by region and utility company. You can sign up for an energy-saving program with your utility company. That way, you can plan your usage around those hours to reduce your energy usage.

Change Your Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases strain on your HVAC equipment. As a result, it may have to work harder and use more energy. This can lead to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs.

Moreover, a clogged filter reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system. It can’t remove as much dirt and debris from the air as it does with a clean filter.

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance keeps your filters clean and your energy bills low.

Lower the Settings on Your Thermostat

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature without spending too much money is about finding that balance between comfort and cost. The lower you can set your thermostat without feeling uncomfortably cold, the more money you’ll save over time.

By lowering the temperature by just a few degrees, you can save as much as two percent on your heating bill. That may not sound like much, but over time it adds up.

Landscape for Shade

Keep your home cooler in summer and save on air-conditioning costs by planting shade trees. Trees are one of the most effective ways to reduce the heat from the sun and help insulate it from heat loss in winter.

Replace Your Showerhead

Replacing your shower head is an easy way to reduce water usage and save money on your energy bill. Most shower heads use up to three gallons per minute (GPM) of water.

By switching to a low-flow shower head that uses two GPM, you’ll use less water which means less energy needed to heat it.

Use LED Light Bulbs

LED bulbs use less energy and are more efficient than other types of bulbs. This means that they produce less heat, save on energy costs, and help protect the environment.

Make Sure to Get HVAC Maintenance and Tune-Ups

The more efficiently your system runs, the less it costs to operate. A professional tune-up will ensure that all system components are running at their highest level of performance. This means you’ll use less energy to keep your home comfortable. Plus, any issues that arise during the process can be addressed before they cause significant damage.

Need HVAC maintenance? Get affordable HVAC care with the professionals at Service Champions.