Your household budget can easily get off track with the sudden increase in your energy bill. If only you can restart the month, you never would have neglected the non-stop use of home electronics and appliances. Dealing with high energy bills is stressful, so make sure to observe relevant energy saving measures moving forward. To help lower your household energy consumption and save money, check out these helpful tips.
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Unplug Appliances When Not In Use
Switching off the television or stereo will not make a significant reduction in your electric bill. Unplugging your appliances when not in use is the best option. As long as appliances are plugged to an outlet, they will continue to consume energy. According to a report by the US Department of Energy, 75% of the electricity used to power house appliances is consumed when they are turned off. It would surely hurt paying for electricity you did not use. So, the next time you go to bed or leave the house, make sure to check for running electrical appliances and unplug them.
Install A Thermostat
Do you know that installing a thermostat can help reduce your home’s cooling and heating costs by about 15 percent? Investing in a thermostat installation will save you money in the long run. It is the best upgrade you can get for your home. Today’s smart thermostats have learning functions built in, which means the device can identify when temperature adjustments are necessary. It can automatically bring the temperature inside your house to a comfortable level when people are active and switch to an energy-saving level when everyone is asleep.
Insulate Your Home
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that households can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing spaces and adding insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Lack of proper insulation can be among the top reasons why you’re getting the high energy costs during the winter and summer months. When the air inside your home is allowed to escape through gaps on the walls or windows, it forces your HVAC appliance to work harder, thus, consuming more energy.
For insulating your home, you can use different types of insulation materials, including polystyrene, fiberglass, mineral, and wool. Crawl space encapsulation can also help to improve insulation in the home. By sealing off the crawl space, homeowners can prevent drafts and moisture from entering the space, which can make it easier to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home. This can reduce the need for heating and cooling systems to work hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can help lower energy costs.
Take Advantage Of Solar Energy
Using solar panels let you generate your own electricity. This means you will be consuming less from the utility supplier, saving you more money on your monthly electric bills. Solar energy is applicable everywhere as long as there is sunshine.
Repair The Malfunctioning AC System
If your home’s air conditioning system is experiencing some issues, it will no longer be able to cool your home properly. What is even worse is that it can also start costing you a lot of money in energy bills. According to a program by the National Institute of Building Sciences, a well maintained air conditioning unit decreases your home’s energy use by 10% to 40%. This, in turn, will save you money on your monthly electric bill.
Among the telltale signs of an AC unit in distress are insufficient airflow, warm air, high humidity, water leaks, bad odors, and strange operating noises. Getting an AC repair immediately after noticing the warning signs will prevent further damage to the system and will return comfort and convenience in your home.
Do not attempt to fix a faulty air conditioner on your own. Leave the job to the pros to get the best results. Bring back the high energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit by calling a professional and experienced AC technician.
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