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Utility bills can cost an arm and a leg, but unfortunately, an arm and a leg are not sufficient currency to pay them. Here are 5 updates you can make to your home that will save you money.
1. Energy efficient doors and windows
Windows and doors are supposed to keep your home secure. That includes keeping outside air out, and inside air in. If you’re feeling a draft from your doors and windows, then ultimately, you’re losing energy and accruing a higher energy bill. However, a drafty home is completely preventable when you replace your front door and update your windows with efficient insulation and weather stripping.
Weather stripping on windows and doors can prevent drafts and inside air from escaping. Faulty weather stripping can be responsible for 20% of energy lost. Also, low-emissivity (Low-E) glass insulated windows are said to lower energy cost up to a third in winter and summer.
2. LED Lights
Upgrade your incandescent and Compact Fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs to LED bulbs. LED bulbs are much safer and use electricity than incandescent and CFL bulbs. The average incandescent bulb will last about 1,200 hours which is a little over a year if used for 3 hours a day every day. The average CFL will last 8,000 hours, about 8 years. However, the average LED bulb can last 15-20 years with a range use of 15,000-50,000 hours based on 3 hours of use per day with a fraction of the wattage used.
Although LED light bulbs are more expensive to purchase, the benefits can outweigh the cost. Unlike the other two, LED bulbs do not burn as hot and are coated with a protective panel that cools bulb to its starting temperature faster, and do not contain mercury. Yes, CFL bulbs contain mercury, too.
So, although more expensive, they last for a decade or more, are safer, and use less energy, therefore a lower light bill. With the popularity of these bulbs, you can get them in any shape and style like the traditional classic bulb, Edison style bulbs, globes, tubes, and smart bulbs.
LED bulbs are typically energy star rated and when purchased offer special rebates toward your utility bill. That’s right, your electric company may offer you discounts on your bill because of your energy efficient purchase. Be sure to check for the labeling when you purchase your bulb and notify your utility company to save even more money.
3. Appliances
It’s a given that your appliances cost a pretty penny but investing in energy saving options will save you money in the long run. Replacing your refrigerator, oven, washer, and dryer, and heating and cooling systems are nothing short of an investment, an expensive investment. You can save money by taking advantage of big sales around the holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday sales. Shop around during the months of May, September, October, and January, most brands offer large discounts on current models when they roll out new models.
Consider replacing your appliances one at a time. Until then there are recommended ways to save money with your current appliance. If your electric company has “dual time” rates, opt for running your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer during off-peak hours starting after 8 p.m. to lower your electric bill.
4. Insulation
Update your insulation, don’t exert more energy than you need to. Insulation can be found in the attic, walls, the basement. The insulation in your home affects how much electricity is used by keeping the warm air in the winter, cool dry air in the summer inside your home, and improves air quality by keeping dust and pollutants out of the air.
Without proper insulation your HVAC system will work much harder to regulate the temperature throughout your home, resulting in a higher electric bill as it works to reach and maintain the set temperature. You can also insulate your hot water lines and water heater to save on the energy used to heat water to its set temperature.
5. Heating and Cooling system
According to the Department of Energy, your home’s HVAC system attributes to about 43% of your energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replace it and save an estimated 30% on the cooling cost according to Energy Star. If your HVAC system is fairly new, here are a few ways to lowering your energy bill with the current system.
The first step is to maintain regular maintenance by checking your air ducts before the weather heats up. Leaky ducts can be a pricey waste of energy. Also, be sure that your vents are open, and to change the filters monthly. If your unit has an energy saving option, please use it! Powering your unit when you get home to the highest setting will actually raise your bill because it requires a lot of energy to cool down a hot room or to heat up a cold room.
Another genius tip that can save money, is to simply adjust your thermostat by 7˚ to 10˚ from its normal setting for 8 hours a day. For example, you can save by turning the heat down when you’re at work. Programmable thermostats are great for setting you’re A/C to automatically adjust while you’re at work and gradually return to your desired setting an hour before you get home. This also works in the winter as well. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider upgrading.