Cut Your Utility Bills With These Tips
Energy efficiency is just about the only solution that will help lower the cost of your utility bills. There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient— Some are more involved and costly, while others are quite simple.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Change your HVAC air filters regularly.
- Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use.
- Turn lights off when not in a room and shut doors and curtains in rooms you do not use often. (But do not close off registers in those rooms, as this will shorten the life of your HVAC system rather than saving you money.)
- Replace old windowpanes.
- Use ceiling fans to help distribute air.
These tips can have a positive impact on your bills, but results will be minimal at best. If you are looking to lower your utility bills by a higher margin, you may want to look into the following:
- Check and seal your air ducts. Up to 30% of your home’s heated or cooled air can be lost due to leaky ducts.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable or “smart” thermostats can help you regulate your home’s temperatures very efficiently, allowing you to determine what temperature you want your home at different times of the day. (Note: We do NOT currently recommend installing a Nest thermostat, as our customers have had quality problems with them and they do not allow the homeowner to directly control the program.)
- Insulate your attic or crawlspace. Your home could be significantly warmer or cooler by making sure you have adequate insulation.
Another money-saving measure to consider is having a home energy audit. There are many options to increase energy efficiency and you could be saving a lot of money with the right changes and the right professional assistance. We at Comfort Monster love to help our customers become as efficient as possible. Contact us today to get started!