10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue rising, you are probably on the lookout for ways to reduce your usage and save money. Although big-ticket investments like replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems certainly make your home more energy efficient, you can lower energy costs today with virtually no up-front investment. Here’s what to do.

1. Check the HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter each month and change it when it looks dirty, or every three months, whichever happens first. The cost of a new filter can pay for itself by boosting efficiency, guaranteeing proper airflow, and keeping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home will quickly feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a fresh filter in place.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or lower during the winter and raise it to 77 degrees or higher in the summer. Then, choose clothes that suit the season to help you stay comfortable. 

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you still have an old manual thermostat, get a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly in energy savings by letting you program setback periods while you’re away from home or in bed. Intelligent temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can set up remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Keep Up with Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance offers a good return on investment. First of all, it pays you back by reducing your energy bills. After all, a tuned-up HVAC system works better than one that’s left alone. You also lower the risk of malfunctions and the associated repair costs. Plus, your heating and cooling is able to live a few years longer when you care for it today.

5. Find and Fix Air Leaks

Air leaks can form wherever multiple building materials are found. Try to find and fix these leaks to keep your home comfortable and minimize the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a few tips: 

• Try to replace old weatherstripping to help windows and doors close more tightly.
• Re-caulk the cracks around windows and doors to avoid air leaks.
• Apply expanding spray foam near wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and other penetrations in your walls, ceilings and floors.
• Close the fireplace damper anytime a fire isn’t being lit.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit

During the summer, the goal is to reduce solar heat gain. Putting reflective curtains over the windows during the afternoon is an easy way to accomplish this. If your budget permits, you can also plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By looking for deciduous trees, you can enjoy plenty of shade in the summer while still helping the sun to heat your home for free throughout the winter. 

7. Manage Your Water Use 

Conserve this limited resource and reduce your water bills with the following tips:

• Take shorter showers instead of longer baths.

• Put in low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
• Shut off the water when you are shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Deal with drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as quickly as possible.

8. Unplug Electronics

Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can shut them off with the flip of a switch when they aren’t being used. Additionally, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to avoid small amounts of “phantom” energy use. 

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 as LEDs work about 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

10. Use Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the energy hogs of the home. Conserve energy with the following tips:

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

• Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and install an insulating blanket.
• Only operate the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Switch off the heated-dry functionality on your dishwasher.
• Hang your clothes outside to dry when the weather is warm.
• Reheat food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, particularly on summer afternoons.

• If your local utility provider charges more for electricity during “peak times,” strive to use energy-heavy 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 implementing these tips, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer affordable maintenance and repair work, alongside cost-effective installation and replacement services. Plus, with financing options available, even larger upgrades will fit your budget. For more info about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.