It’s cold outside, and when that happens, the natural response is to gravitate towards warmth. During a pandemic that’s causing more and more individuals to spend more time at home, finding ways to conserve energy is critical. What uses the most energy in your home, and how can you lower your bills?
Lights
You already know that turning off lights when not in use is a great idea. But have you changed the lightbulbs in your home to energy efficient ones? There are lots of varied options, from LED bulbs to halogen bulbs. The initial investment can be a bit more expensive, but well worth it in savings in the long run. Buying one or two bulbs for replacement per month can bring you savings after a time.
Source: https://www.nopec.org/blognewsroom/blog/comparing-led-vs-cfl-vs-incandescent-light-bulbs/
Heating and Cooling
Of course, your heating and cooling costs are the majority of your monthly bill. There are a few things you can do to lower these costs. Changing your furnace filters regularly can help, as well as turning your thermostat slightly higher in summer and lower in winter. Hydronic heating is one of the most efficient methods of heating your home. If you’re considering building your own home, it’s important to factor more efficient heating and cooling options into your plans.
Source: https://www.podium.com/article/hydronic-heating/
Get an Energy Audit
Your local energy company, despite their reputation, really is into efficiency and helping you save money! If you call ahead and schedule an appointment, they can send an energy auditor to help you see what in your home needs to be more efficient. They can find what portions of your home might be exhibiting drafts, so that you can take care of sealing them. Sealing up drafts and leaks will save you a great deal on heating and cooling costs.
Insulate
One of the more tried and true ways to save on energy is to make sure your insulation is in good condition and working well. Having adequate insulation means that less heat from your furnace escapes your home. Instead, the warmth stays with you. With nearly 50% of your energy bill being spent on heating and cooling your home, insulating your home better can really make a difference. If you’re concerned about the condition of your insulation, have it inspected to make sure it’s clean and dry.
Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/insulation/21097080/home-insulation-helps-reduce-energy-bills
Overall, knowing your money you put towards energy is maintaining a comfortable interior, whether heating or cooling it, rather than flying out of both your pockets and the window, is comforting! Getting an energy audit, acting on the results, and insulating your home will help you be warmer. Just as importantly, you’ll keep more of your money and help save the environment.
Need to fix your drywall and insulation? We have you covered!