If you’re a homeowner, then you know how expensive energy costs can become, especially during inclement weather or the depths of either winter or summer. It can even be something that present a financial problem if you don’t plan appropriately. Energy costs can be the most expensive household bill, especially if you live in a region where you have to run the air conditioner all summer and the heater all winter. The good news is that, with a handful of home improvements for greater efficiency, you can mitigate energy costs and reap the benefits for years to come.
For starters, you should know that old appliances tend to be less energy efficient. Although it costs money to replace appliances, you can often recoup those costs by using appliances that are Energy Star certified. While you’re at it, you might consider a programmable thermostat that turns heating and cooling off when you’re away from your home. You can program the thermostat so that it turns it back on at a predetermined time, which should be just before you or your family members return home. This alone can result in significant energy cost savings.
One thing that has always contributed to energy cost savings is adding insulation to multiple locations in your home, such as your walls and attic. This is a great way to keep you comfortable while conserving energy. During the process of insulating your home, you can seal leaks in doors and windows to prevent air from leaking. Depending on where you live, it might be necessary to install storm windows to reduce the loss of energy.
You should replace your HVAC filers and clean your air ducts regularly. You can also have any water heater repair services irving tx or an HVAC technician inspect your system to identify an opportunities for improvement. One energy saving tip that has been used by many homeowners over the years is the installation of low flow showerheads and faucets. This reduces costs because less energy is needed to heat the water.
There are also things that you can do outside of your home to reduce energy, such as using lights with sensors that are motion-activated. The lights will only turn on when you need them, while also serving as a safety measure should someone attempt to rob your home. Something else that you can do outside of the home is plant trees and bushes in order to provide shade in the summer and keep your home warmer in the winter.
Another tip that homeowners have taken advantage of to reduce energy costs is installing ceiling fans. It’s a proven fact that air feels cooler when in motion. You might also want to consider the paint on your walls and whether you need to change the shade since lighter colors tend to keep a room cooler in the summer. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is by using energy efficient light bulbs where bright lights are unnecessary. These kinds of lights can truly make a difference when it comes to saving money on your energy bill.