Like everybody else, you’re also trying to discover ways to reduce home energy bills. Whether it’s summer or winter, the habit of manipulating things inside our homes to achieve the right temperature is always there.
Remember that you don’t necessarily have to resort to these measures. A few simple tips are all it takes to lower your electric bill and save energy.
Energy-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Go Extra With the Insulation
The winter months can threaten the comfortable living conditions within our homes. While there’s nothing we can do about the bitter cold outside, we can take steps to improve our underperforming insulation system. Proper insulation ensures that homes maintain the right temperature, giving off just the right coolness during the warmer months and adequate warmth during the colder season.
How you insulate your home also determines the amount of money and energy you’re able to save. Check every inch of your home and make sure it’s properly insulated. Everything from the walls to your pipes can be extra-insulated so that you won’t have to rely solely on your HVAC system for heating and therefore be able to reduce your electric bill.
2. Keep It Comfortable
Dressing according to the temperature is so underrated, but it’s actually a really great way to save on energy bills. If it’s too cold, then bundle up; too warm, then put on a pair of shorts and some short sleeves.
With the proper attire to suit the season, you’ll no longer have to rely so much on energy-draining technology to regulate indoor temperature. You can still be cozy without running up the electric bill.
3. Dial Down the Water Heater
Usage of the water heater can factor significantly on how much energy you’re able to save. This system is what distributes water to showers, sinks, dishwashers, and laundry machines.
Part of the expense comes from the heater storing warm water in its tank. While there are tankless water heaters, most homes come with ones that have a tank.
You can effectively save money off your bill by dialing down the temperature of your heater. Set your water heater, ideally, to a temperature of 48 or 49 degrees Celsius. Also, if you ever take an extended business trip or vacation, turn off your water heater completely since that would be another way you can reduce your electric bill.
4. Keep an Eye on the Air Filter
As you go about your household chores, don’t forget to check your air filter from time to time. This device catches lint, pollen, dust, and other debris that make their way into your home. Make sure clean air is circulating throughout your home’s heating and cooling system, and your HVAC is in excellent working order.
A properly functioning HVAC is key to energy-efficient cooling and heating systems. Replacing filters regularly can keep your HVAC performing at an optimal level. This way, the system doesn’t have to put in as much work or expend as much energy as it would when the air filter is dirty, thereby saving energy and helping reduce the amount of money you have to pay for the electric bill.
5. Use Appliances Strategically
Using your appliances only when needed can help to lower your energy bill significantly. For instance, you don’t want to use your laundry machine for a small pile of used clothing or power up the dishwasher for a few dirty dishes. Using appliances strategically means being more efficient with the way you go about things.
Wait until you have loads and loads of clothing to dry before you use the dryer as this will help you consume less energy. Fully load your dishwasher, as opposed to only partially filling it, when you’re doing the dishes. You can adopt various strategies for using appliances to keep the electric bill at a minimum.
6. Take Advantage of a Programmable Thermostat
Our heating and cooling systems are among the biggest expenses incurred every month. They are also heavily influenced by external temperatures brought on by the weather and the season. Energy consumption can be reduced simply by resisting the urge to turn up the air conditioner or the heater, but there are instances when doing so isn’t enough.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts your home temperature according to the time of day or the condition outside. With the thermostat regularly making these changes, you’re now able to get around traditional heating and cooling expenses while being more energy-efficient at the same time. There’s an array of affordable models of programmable thermostats available on the market today.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! These are six of the most effective ways to reduce home energy bills, and none of which will take a lot of work or loads of money to apply. They’re easy enough to follow for anyone who’s determined to not only reduce the electric bill but also be more efficient in using energy.
