From toasty heating in the winter to fresh air conditioning in the summer, it takes a lot of energy to keep the home comfortable. You don’t have to sacrifice that comfort to save money on your energy bill! There are plenty of tips and tricks that will lower that cost, no matter the time of year.
Swap Out Your Bulbs
Are you still using incandescent lightbulbs in your house? Switch them out for the LED variety today. LED bulbs with the Energy Star label on the packaging can save you up to $75 per year. Plus, they come in a wide range of different shades and warmth levels to suit your interior style.
Adjust the Thermostat
Your house doesn’t need to be at the perfect temperature when nobody’s home. Before you leave for the day, adjust the thermostat so that your heater or air conditioner doesn’t have to work overtime. This smart practice can save you around 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs.
Tip:
Consider a programmable thermostat. You’ll be able to adjust the temperature of your house from an app and heat or cool it in time for your arrival each day!
Update Your HVAC Unit
If your HVAC system works overtime to heat and cool your home but still can’t keep up, it may be time to update the unit. Installing a new HVAC system can save you money in various ways, and the system will be more energy-efficient than the decades-old one you might rely on now.
Do Laundry Efficiently
How much of your laundry do you really need to wash in hot water? While some pieces need that heat, most everyday clothing items will get just as clean in warm or cool water. To save even more energy, ditch the tumble dryer when you can and hang items to dry on a clothesline.
Improve Seals and Insulation
A great deal of hot or cool air can escape your home through poorly-insulated walls and windows. Re-caulk any leaky windows and call a professional to look at your insulation as the seasons change. Pick up a few draft stoppers for your doors to keep heated or cooled air where you want it: inside!
When your energy bills start to rise, nip that waste in the bud by updating appliances where you can and ensuring that your home has the proper insulation. There are plenty of ways to save money on your energy bill and keep your usage at a reasonable level.
