10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue to increase, you are probably 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 certainly make your home more efficient, you can reduce energy costs right away with virtually no up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.

1. Change the HVAC Air Filter

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

2. Change Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Maintain the temperature about 70 degrees or cooler during the winter and raise it to 77 degrees or higher over the summer. Then, choose clothes that suit 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. This kind of thermostat pays for itself quickly via energy savings by allowing you to program setback schedules while you’re away from home or in bed. Automated temperature recovery means you save money without ever dealing with an uncomfortable home. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can program remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers a good return on investment. First of all, it pays you back by reducing your energy bills. After all, a tuned-up HVAC system performs more effectively than one that’s left alone. You also reduce the risk of breakdowns and the associated repair costs. Additionally, your heating and cooling is more likely to live a few years longer when you take good care of it today.

5. Find and Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can develop wherever two building materials are connected. Locate and seal these leaks to keep your home comfortable and minimize the strain on your HVAC system. Here are some tips: 

• Try to replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors shut more tightly.
• Re-caulk the cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
• Apply expanding spray foam around wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and other penetrations in your walls, ceilings and floors.
• Close the fireplace damper when a fire isn’t burning.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Advantage

Through the summer, your goal is to shut out solar heat gain. Closing reflective curtains over the windows through the afternoon is a simple way to do this. If your budget allows, you can also plant trees on the south and west sides of your property. By selecting 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. Use Water Wisely 

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

• Take quick showers as opposed to lengthy baths.

• Put in low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
• Turn off the water when you’re shaving and brushing your teeth.
• Fix drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as soon as possible.

8. Turn Things Off

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 not in use. While you’re at it, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when not in use to prevent small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption. 

9. Replace Your Light Bulbs

Do you still use 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 bulbs.

10. Operate Appliances Efficiently

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

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

• Turn down the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and wrap it in an insulating blanket.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Disable the heated-dry feature on your dishwasher.
• Hang your clothes outside to dry when possible.
• Reheat food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, particularly on summer afternoons.

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

Get Help Cutting Home Energy Costs

A lot of cost-cutting measures relate directly to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help applying these tips, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable maintenance and repair work, along with cost-effective installation and replacement services. Plus, with financing options available, even big upgrades will match your budget. For more info about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.