Did you know the typical American household spends about $2,000 per year on energy bills alone? That’s more than $150 per month for the average utility bill!
Do you get hit hard each month by your energy bills? It’s time to take a look at your use and learn how to lower those recurring energy bills.
Keep reading for five money-saving secrets for how to lower utility bills.
- Check Door and Window Seals
Doors and windows often have gaps around them that are letting precious energy out and cold or hot air in. Caulk and weather-stripping are inexpensive and available at any home-improvement store. Use them to seal leaky areas around windows and doors.
- Proper Insulation
Make sure you have the right amount of insulation in your attic and crawlspace. No matter where you live, this is important.
In a cool climate, insulation keeps the warm air in and the cold air out. In a hot or tropical climate, insulation helps keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
- Install a Zone Control System
A zone control system is especially helpful in bigger homes with lots of rooms. An experienced technician divides your home into zones.
Each zone has its own control, so you’re only heating or cooling the part of the house that needs it most. This lowers your bills because the system isn’t working to cool or heat the entire house to the same temperature.
- Watch for Phantom Energy Users
Most modern electronic devices use energy even when they’re off. TVs, cellphone chargers, and coffee makers all use energy when you’re not using them. What can you do?
Unplug your cellphone chargers when not in use. Invest in a few power strips and plug your electronics into the strip instead of the wall. When you’re not using the devices, turn the power strip to the off position.
These seem like small changes but the energy reductions add up over time, reducing your energy bills.
- Regular Maintenance
Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance for safe and efficient operation. Schedule a maintenance visit from a qualified HVAC technician at least once a year. If you run both AC and heat, consider both a spring and fall HVAC check.
Don’t forget your system after the technician leaves! Change your HVAC filter every month.
The filter keeps debris out of your system. If too much debris collects in the filter, it reduces efficiency and raises the bill.
Good Ideas for How to Lower Utility Bills
These are all good ideas for how to lower utility bills for your home. It pays to do an energy audit around the house and adjust the little things.
Seal your doors and windows with caulk and weather stripping and make sure your attic and crawlspace have the right insulation.
A zone control system is a great way to avoid heating or cooling rooms you don’t use much, and don’t forget to turn off the phantom energy users. Service your HVAC on a regular basis.
Your home is a big investment, and we can help you get the most out of it. Read more on the blog!
