Now more than ever, we need to better control our electricity consumption because the cost of energy is through the roof. Here are a few things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. That, in turn, will help keep your utility bills to a minimum.
Maintain your HVAC
The biggest user of the energy you pay for each month is your heating and air conditioning system; as such, they need to be maintained. At the beginning of the winter months, have a technician come out to check your heating system. Do the same when the warmer months arrive, by having your air conditioning checked to be sure it’s running efficiently. Your coolant levels need to be checked to be certain it’s operating at optimum efficiency.
Hire a reputable service provider as the one shown here, to be sure you have a professional on the job. They know the latest standards to which your HVAC system should be running.
Improve your insulation
Not having the proper amount of insulation in your home can cause heat to escape and cold air to flood in. Check your attic space to be sure the insulation there hasn’t broken down or if it could be inadequate in any way. There are companies that will come and install the top rated rolled or blown insulation that will save you money on your energy bills long term.
Not only will you save on your energy bills, you’ll be infinitely more comfortable in your home.
Seal those gaps
:Be sure that you don’t neglect home maintenance in the winter. Windows and doors that leak air can cause you to use more power to heat or cool your home. Sealing these will help reduce the amount of energy it takes to make your home feel comfortable. Being able to bump the thermostat up or down because the outside air isn’t pouring into the space will save you money.
Check all of your exterior doors. If you see sunlight coming in around the frame, you need to use some weather stripping to seal them up. If light can get through; air can also. Caulk around windows to close any gaps or areas where outside air can get in.
Upgrade your windows
You probably lose most of your homes efficiency through the windows. Heated air can escape in the winter and cool air in the summer. Because our windows are generally covered by blinds and curtains, we generally don’t even think about what’s going on in and around them. Take a closer look. Do you notice your drapes moving as if in a breeze? If you don’t have the window open and you notice that kind of movement, the air is coming from somewhere.
It’s possible it’s time to replace your existing windows. If your home is over 25 years old, it’s likely you have single pane windows. Adding double hung windows replacement, can reduce your energy costs at much as 20% depending on where you live. It’s absolutely worth the investment to replace those old windows. Check here for more information on replacing your old windows.
Change to a smart thermostat
Adding a smart thermostat is a cheap way to maximize your home’s heating and cooling. Smart thermostats can be controlled by your smart phone so you can control temperature settings when you’re away. You can also use them to set your heating and air to a specific temperature for when you’re out of the home at work, then have it adjust to your optimal comfort level half an hour before you get home. That way, you’re not wasting electricity by running your system all day while no one is even at home. This will save money on your utility bill every month.
Choose your contractors wisely
Before hiring just anyone to do repairs to your HVAC system, make sure you’ve done your research and are confident that everyone knows energy-efficiency strategies. Be sure to hire local contractors who have the latest technology to get the job done right. You need to trust the service company to be honest with you about repairs vs. replacement. Hiring contractors like those found here can help ease your mind about the cost.
Speaking to friends and family for recommendations is a great way to get honest reviews of the contractors your considering.
These small tips can help you save money over the life of your home. You’ll be happy to be paying lower energy bills year after year.