You want your home to be comfortable and safe, but you also don’t want sky-high monthly utility bills. What are some ways you can lower these bills while maintaining a comfortable if not higher-quality home? Check out these eco-friendly tips.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances and HVAC Systems
Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. This includes kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, and ovens, as well as washing machines and dryers. There are several sustainable and energy-efficient options available nowadays to choose from. You should also be sure to pick appliances that meet your family’s needs. Don’t get enormous or expensive appliances just because you can.
HVAC systems in your home can also be updated to increase energy efficiency in your home. For example, the 500 CFM fan system, which is a household ventilation fan system, can run on a normal household current with no special electrical considerations. Additionally, Arista.com writes, “The Department of Energy has found that you can save up to 35% annually in energy costs if you increase HVAC energy efficiency by adding or replacing parts.” Consider how your home’s systems can be updated for the better.
Insulate Your Home
Especially in colder months, house insulation is crucial. You may consider hiring a professional to insulate your home for you. Insulating plumbing pipes, the attic, external and internal walls, between stories within your house, and ceilings will be your best bet. Installing window wraps and utilizing doorway seals will also help keep heat in. This way, your home won’t lose heat as easily and your monthly utility bills will remain low.
Check For Leaks In Your Home
10% of homes in the United States have leaks in their plumbing. While small, they can contribute to at least 90 gallons of wasted water every day. With this being said, checking for leaks in your plumbing systems as well as in other parts of your home is important so water and heat aren’t being wasted or lost. Check for leaks in your doors and windows too, as they can contribute to these issues as well.
Consider Your Laundry Habits
There are some other minor changes you can make when you do laundry to reduce wasted water and heat and increase energy efficiency. These include:
- Use cold water as often as possible
- Consider using drying racks instead of the dryer each time you do a load
- Reuse towels
- Run full loads rather than several small ones
- Adjust settings appropriately
Consider Programmable Thermostats
The EPA writes, “installing a programmable thermostat can save [consumers] anywhere from 10 to 30% on the space heating and cooling portion of their energy bills.” Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You’ll be able to easily control how cool or warm your home is, which affects your monthly utility bills. Plus, it’s best to keep temperatures in your home low when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping to save heat and energy.
Programmable thermostats are also handy in rooms that need to maintain a particular temperature, such as a wine cellar. You want to be sure your wine cellar’s walls are insulated and the floors are sealed against moisture. The “R” factor, which is the ability to which the insulation works against heat, should be at a 19 or higher. A sunroom is another example of a room that may require temperature control in order to maintain its comfortability and warmth.
Energy efficiency is important. Not only will it allow for lower monthly utility bills, but you’ll also be living more sustainably and contributing to less energy being used by homes when it’s not needed. Consider these tips throughout the remainder of the winter and into the spring as you look to improve the quality of your home and lower your bills.
You can also get rebates from your energy provider when you purchase a programmable thermostat!