1. Get A Home Energy Audit
Before trying a lot of things that may or may not work, you’ll want to find the source of your home’s home energy problems. This will assist you in investing time and money into the areas that really need improvement. You may realize that you have some air leaks or that your HVAC needs a repair. An expert can help you discover where you might be losing energy in your home and how you can improve it. The average cost to hire a home energy auditor is $383.
2. Upgrade Your HVAC
If you have an older HVAC system, it could be one of the reasons you’re spending more money on energy bills. Energy Star certified heating and cooling systems are what you’ll want to look for if you’re considering investing in a new system.
Often, your HVAC just needs a repair or tune-up. It’s a good idea to have it inspected at least once a year. A repair to your air conditioner or furnace can cost far less than a new installation. For example, the average cost to repair a furnace is $267. Simple, annual tune-ups can make a big difference in your monthly heating bills. Don’t forget to change your air filters monthly as well.
3. Install Insulation
Good insulation can be a big help when it comes to saving energy in your home. If you have a home energy audit, the pro should be able to tell you where you’re missing insulation or need an upgrade. Often, homes lose a lot of energy through the roof via the attic. If you’ve never had your attic insulated, now is the time to do so. You’ll be more comfortable and retain more energy inside your home. The average cost of attic insulation is $1,900.
4. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
An old refrigerator or stove can be using more energy than it needs. If you have an appliance that is older, you could be missing out on some of the energy-efficient benefits newer models have. In fact, an Energy Star certified refrigerator can save you up to 40% more energy than the standard refrigerator, meaning more money in your wallet, according to Energy Sage. Energy Star certified appliances may also qualify for a state utility rebate as well. Research to see what your state offers when it comes to energy-saving appliances.
5. Install Window Treatments
You may be surprised to learn that simply installing window treatments is a way to keep temperatures controlled in your home. Simply by closing the curtains or blinds, you can keep your house from overheating during the day and helping to better insulate your windows. Window treatments are also a stylish addition to any room, so there’s no reason not to add them!
6. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
It's suggested that to save energy, you may want to set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees instead of the traditional 140. This is an easy DIY project that you can get done without the help of a pro. To see how you can do this, follow the instructions in this article from the Department of Energy.
7. Change Your Lightbulbs
Another small change you can make to save energy in your home is to change your lightbulbs. Old incandescent bulbs generally create more heat from the energy used, really burning up those bills. Instead, choose a LED or CFL bulb that not only uses more energy but have a longer lifespan. This small and affordable change can mean big savings ahead.
8. Turn Off What You Don’t Need
This final tip seems self-explanatory, but so often many leave a room without turning off what they are not using. One simple solution is to plug chargers, lamps and other electronics into a power strip to easily turn off all appliances when they are not in use. According to the Department of Energy, this can save you $100 in your bills on average. It really is that simple!
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