Keeping your home energy efficient is not just good for the environment; it’s also great for your wallet. The average U.S. household spends about $2,000 annually on energy bills. That’s more than many Americans spend on food each month! Reducing your home’s energy use can help you save money on your monthly utility bills and help reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Here are some easy ways to reduce energy consumption in your home and save money on your energy bill, all at the same time.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system
If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, you may be wasting a lot of energy. Newer models are more efficient, saving you money on your energy bills each month. Depending on the age of your heating system, replacing it could cut your monthly energy bills in half if you want to upgrade your furnace or boiler or get an air conditioning replacement work with a company that offers rebates and energy-efficient financing options. One thing to remember: Newer heating systems are more expensive upfront than older models. But they will likely save you more money in the long run.
Insulate your home
Adding insulation to your attic can reduce your energy use by up to 50%, saving you hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills. In the summer, insulation keeps your home cooler by reducing the amount of heat that escapes through the roof. In the winter, it helps keep the warm air in your home, reducing the energy needed to heat it. There are lots of options when it comes to selecting the correct type of insulation for your home. You can hire a contractor to do the installation for you or purchase insulation and DIY. Make sure to choose energy-efficient insulation that meets your area’s current building code requirements. One other thing to keep in mind: If you plan to add insulation to your attic, you may need to hire a contractor to remove the old insulation and install the new. This work can often be done simultaneously with your roof replacement.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you keep your home at the right temperature while you’re away and even save you up to 10% on energy use each year. Be sure to select a model approved by the Department of Energy that is easy to program and has the features you need, like remote access. If you cannot install a thermostat yourself, you can hire a contractor to do the work for you. But if you want to save money on the installation cost, you may be able to find a thermostat at your local hardware store or purchase one online.
Install low-energy lighting
If you are replacing a light fixture, you can choose between LED or fluorescent lights. New LED or fluorescent lights are much more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. Remember that LED bulbs may be more expensive upfront than fluorescent bulbs but use far less energy. Fluorescent bulbs also last longer than LED lights. In addition to using less energy than older bulbs, modern lighting lasts longer. Fluorescent bulbs last 10–15 years, while LED lights can last as long as 25 years. If you are installing new light fixtures in your home, you may need to hire a contractor. One thing to remember: It may be more cost-effective to replace all the light fixtures in your home at once (including outside). That way, you only have to pay for installation once.
Turn off the electronics and appliances when not in use.
This may seem like an obvious energy saver, but it’s surprising how often people leave electronics on. TVs, computers, and coffee makers can use energy even when turned off. There are several ways you can reduce the energy your appliances use. You can install timers and power strips and unplug appliances without using them. Remember that computers, TVs, and devices use energy even when off. You can reduce this type of energy use by turning them off. One thing to remember: This is especially important for your appliances. Leaving them plugged in even when you’re not using them can result in energy loss called “vampire energy loss.” This can cost you money and harm the environment.
Conclusion
Keeping your home energy efficient is essential for many reasons. It not only helps the environment, but it also helps your wallet. The more efficient your home, the less energy you use and the less money you spend on your bills. There are many ways to reduce your energy consumption. You can upgrade your heating system, add insulation, install low-energy lights and turn off electronics when not in use. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money each month on your bills.
Leave a Reply