The energy bill is one of the biggest headaches for many homeowners. Luckily, with the following nifty tips, you can lower your energy consumption and save loads of cash.
Monitor your electronics
Most of the appliances in your household account for just a small chunk of your energy consumption. However, when you have everything plugged in, your costs will rise significantly. As a rule, always switch off devices that are not in use, including phone chargers and computers. Try to keep everything on a power strip, which will make it easy to manage the devices.
Limit your use of the washing machine and electronic kettle. When shopping for electronics, look for items with a high ENERGY STAR rating, as they will undoubtedly be energy efficient.
Improve the airflow around your house
You can save a good deal of cash from your heating and ventilation costs by manipulating the indoor air. During winter, for example, you can find ways of keeping the heat from escaping your home. A ceiling fan can do a better job of trapping the hot air with a slight adjustment. In summer, switch it back so that cool air can move in.
Closed vents can make it hard for your air conditioning system to run efficiently, so be sure to keep them open in rooms you use regularly.
Service your HVAC system
A poorly maintained air conditioning system is one of the largest contributors to higher energy bills. Ideally, your HVAC filter should be replaced every 30-90 days depending on the quality. As it traps more dirt and dust, the filter gets blocked, making your HVAC work harder for the same job. In turn, the machine will draw more energy and raise your electricity consumption.
To cut the costs of running an HVAC system in a bigger home, you may want to upgrade to a zoned system. In this way, you can direct the air to sections of the house that are usually too hot or too cold.
Check your lighting
You are partly responsible for the escalating energy bills if you fail to turn off the lights when you’re not using them. If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, make the switch to LED lighting. Compact fluorescent lights can be a cheaper alternative to LEDs. These options or increasing natural light in your home will reduce your energy costs.
In this way, you can switch off your lights and save electricity. For outdoor lighting, you can opt for solar-powered garden lights. They are just as powerful as ordinary lights, and you can save on the wiring costs.
Take advantage of rebates and government incentives
Many governments across the states have incentives designed to make it more affordable to implement energy-efficient programs. Check into qualified purchases, tax breaks, and rebates depending on your state or agency. For instance, the federal tax solar credit allows you to save up 30 percent off your purchase and installation costs. Some states like Colorado and Arizona have extra incentives besides the tax credits.
Some local utility companies offer rebates for purchasing a variety of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment. Since investing in green energy is usually expensive, some local governments provide subsidized loans to residents.