You turn off lights when they’re not being used and try to buy smart, but somehow, you still end up with higher than normal utility bills. When it comes to saving money, power usage is the first place most homeowners need to assess. Even when you think that you’re doing all the right things, not knowing your home’s energy efficiency can seriously empty your wallet. Here are some of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Conduct an Energy Audit
To make your home more energy efficient, you need to determine the source of the problem. There are a lot of things that can cause your energy bill to skyrocket. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the culprit. For instance, leaving your phone charger plugged in draws power even if nothing is connected to it. This is where an energy audit can help.
Having a home energy audit performed identifies all areas where power is being used in your home. It will also highlight hotspots where energy consumption can be decreased. You’re then able to create an energy-saving plan and find ways to slash your monthly bill. Note, getting a home energy audit has many benefits besides conserving energy. They can help boost the resale value of your home, keeps the environment safe from pollution, increases the lifespan of your electronics and produces less greenhouse gases.
Replace Old Appliances
The next step in making your home energy efficient is replacing old appliances. Outdated appliances use more power than modern ones. Not only can this cause an absurd spike in your utility bills, it’s also a danger to you and your family’s well-being. Old lamps, toasters, washers and dryers and televisions need to be replaced. Thanks to the technological advancements, appliances are now built to last longer and use less power. Additionally, because these appliances are more energy efficient, they can often save you money.
Keep an Eye On Your Thermostat
Finally, one of the most common reasons why your energy bills may be high is your thermostat. Even if the temperature in your home is only two to three degrees higher, it can cause a significant increase in power usage. To prevent your HVAC from cycling too often, set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it alone. Unless the temperature outside dramatically changes, there’s really no need to adjust your thermostat.
Energy.gov recommends keeping your thermostat set at 68 to 70 all year long. You should also invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature and can be operated through mobile devices.
There are a lot of ways to make your home energy efficient. And while you might not be able to accomplish all of them at one time, even one or two small changes can result in huge savings.
Read more great tips in this article: Three Things To Consider About Your Next Home Improvement Project
