10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue to rise, you are probably on the lookout for ways to cut back your usage and save money. Even though big investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-efficiency HVAC systems certainly make your home more efficient, you can reduce energy costs sooner with very little up-front investment. Here’s how.

1. Change the HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter each month and swap it out when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The cost of a new filter can pay for itself by encouraging efficiency, ensuring proper airflow, and preventing the HVAC equipment from getting too hot. Your home will quickly feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a clean filter in place.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

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

3. Put in a Programmable Thermostat

If you still use an old manual thermostat, upgrade to a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly thanks to energy savings by allowing you to program setback schedules while you’re away from home or asleep. Automatic temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever losing your sense of comfort. Try to find a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can adjust remotely for even more opportunities to save.

4. Implement Annual HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers a great return on investment. For starters, it pays you back by slashing your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system performs more efficiently than a neglected one. You also lower the risk of equipment failures and the necessary repair costs. Plus, your equipment is able to live a few years more when you care for it today.

5. Locate and Fix Air Leaks

Air leaks can form wherever a couple of building materials come together. Locate and seal up these leaks to keep your home comfortable and reduce the strain on your heating and cooling. Here are a few tips: 

• Remove and replace old weatherstripping to help windows and doors close more tightly.
• Re-caulk the cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
• Put in expanding spray foam around wiring, plumbing, ductwork, and other penetrations in your walls, ceilings and floors.
• Shut the fireplace damper when a fire isn’t being 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 accomplish this. If your budget allows, you could also plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By selecting deciduous trees, you can enjoy plenty of shade for the summer while still enabling the sun to heat your home for free in the winter. 

7. Use Water Effectively 

Conserve this key resource and reduce your water bills with some tips:

• Take shorter showers as opposed to lengthy baths.

• Secure low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
• Turn off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Fix drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as quickly as possible.

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 not in use. Additionally, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to avoid small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption. 

9. Replace Your Light Bulbs

Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? Swap them out with LEDs to save as much as 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decrease because LEDs live about 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

10. Run Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the electricity hogs of the home. Save money with the following tips:

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

• Adjust the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and add an insulating blanket.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Disable the heated-dry function on your dishwasher.
• Line-dry clothes when the weather is warm.
• Reheat food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.

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

Get Help Lowering Home Energy Costs

Lots of cost-cutting measures are directly related to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help applying these tips, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We supply affordable maintenance and repair work, as well as cost-effective installation and replacement services. In addition, with financing options available, even big upgrades will match your budget. For more details about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.