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. Even though big-ticket investments like replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems can help make your home more efficient, you can lower energy costs today with virtually no up-front investment. Here’s what to do.

1. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter once a month and replace it when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The cost of a new filter pays for itself by promoting efficiency, ensuring proper airflow, and preventing the HVAC equipment from getting too hot. Your home should feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a new filter in place.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

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

3. Get a Programmable Thermostat

If you still have an old manual thermostat, look for a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly via energy savings by enabling you to program setback schedules while you’re away from home or asleep. Intelligent temperature recovery means you conserve energy without ever feeling uncomfortable. Try to find a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can set up remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Prioritize Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance provides a good return on investment. First, it pays you back by reducing your energy bills. After all, a tuned-up HVAC system works more efficiently than a poorly maintained one. You also reduce the risk of breakdowns and the required repair costs. Plus, your heating and cooling is more likely to run for a few years more when you care for it today.

5. Uncover and Resolve Air Leaks

Air leaks may occur wherever a couple of building materials are connected. Locate and fix these leaks to keep your home comfortable and minimize the strain on your heating and cooling. Here are a few tips: 

• Replace old weatherstripping to help windows and doors are sealed more tightly.
• Re-caulk stationary cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
• Add expanding spray foam near wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other penetrations in the 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, the goal is to shut out solar heat gain. Putting reflective curtains over the windows during the afternoon is an easy way to handle this. If your budget has room, you can also plant trees on the south and west sides of your property. By choosing deciduous trees, you can enjoy plenty of shade for the summer while still allowing the sun to heat your home for free in the winter. 

7. Use Water Wisely 

Conserve this important resource and save on your water bills with some tips:

• Take shorter showers as opposed to lengthy baths.

• Install low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
• Shut off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Deal with drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as soon 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 they aren’t being used. Additionally, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when you don’t need them to minimize small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption. 

9. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? Exchange them for LEDs to save up to 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also go down since LEDs last about 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

10. Operate Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the energy hogs of the home. Lower costs with any of these tips:

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

• Turn down the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and add an insulating blanket.
• Only operate the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Don’t use the heated-dry feature on your dishwasher.
• Hang your clothes outside to dry when you’re able to.
• Heat up food in the microwave instead of the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.

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

Get Help Lowering 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, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable maintenance and repair service, alongside cost-effective installation and replacement services. Plus, with financing options available, even larger upgrades will suit your budget. For more details about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.