The average US household spends roughly $1,411.80 per year on energy. With more people working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, energy expenditure may even be higher this year.
The good news is that there are ways homeowners can reduce energy costs without necessarily sacrificing comfort at home. In today’s post, we discuss 11 smart strategies to keep your energy expenses low in the future.
Read on to learn more.
1. Upgrade Your HVAC System
Space heating and air conditioning account for 51 percent of the average home’s energy consumption per year. One way to conserve energy on your heating and cooling is by investing in newer HVAC models. These models tend to be more energy-efficient than older models.
In particular, opt for an Energy Star certified heating and cooling system. Depending on where you live, such an HVAC can cut your annual power expenditure by more than $115.
2. Change Filters Regularly
Furnace filters should be checked each month, especially during the winter and summer. If your HVAC’s air filter looks dirty, change it right away. At the very minimum, filters need replacing every three months.
A dirty filter can slow down the airflow and force your HVAC to work harder. As a result, your unit spends much more energy than it should, which translates to higher utility bills.
Clean furnace filters prevent dirt and dust from building up within the system. Dirt can clog the HVAC system, causing early system failure and expensive repairs.
3. Ensure There’s Good Ventilation
Keeping your home well-ventilated can help keep your home comfortable without needing to run your HVAC constantly. During the summer, proper ventilation keeps your home cool by moving hot air out of your living space. In the winter, appropriate ventilation ensures that warm air from forming condensation, which would lower your insulation’s effectiveness.
4. Invest in Ceiling and Table-Top Fans
You don’t always have to run your air conditioner to keep your home cool. Ceiling fans can do the job.
The best thing about ceiling fans is that they’re incredibly energy efficient. A ceiling fan can keep your home cool using less power than the typical air conditioner. Imagine the amount of money you’d save by running your ceiling fans more often.
When buying ceiling fans, go for the options that have energy-efficient DC motors. These promote healthy air circulation and tend to be quiet.
Consider investing in table-top fans too. These compact units provide a powerful breeze while using almost a negligible amount of power.
5. Manage Your Electronics
While each of your electronics, including your smartphone, laptop, TV, and game console, uses a small amount of power, collectively, their energy usage can add up. To reduce energy consumption, turn these devices off when you’re not using them. Unplug chargers as soon as your phones and laptops are fully charged as they can still consume power when at full charge.
6. Invest in Motion Sensors for Exterior Lights
Porch lights and other lights at your home’s exterior can use up a considerable amount of energy over time. That’s because most homeowners leave these lights on for extended periods of time.
One way to minimize power usage is by installing motion light lighting. This way, your lights only work when you need them to. Consider using high-efficiency LED lights or CFLs instead of incandescent options.
7. Turn Down the Water Heater Thermostat
A considerable percentage of the heat consumed in your house goes to water heating. By adjusting your water heater thermostat slightly, you can notice a huge difference in your power consumption over time.
Other ways to save on your water heater energy consumption is by installing a low-flow showerhead. You could also switch to a tankless water heater that only heats water on demand.
8. Install Double-Pane Windows
Home windows make up a significant percentage of your house’s surface. When these windows are leaking air, your HVAC has to work much harder to keep you comfortable. In other words, you are throwing money out the window.
Inspect your windows for gaps and cracks and seal them. An even better solution is to install double-pane windows, which have a much higher R-value. These windows create an insulating air gap that effectively blocks the transfer of heat from your home.
9. Deal With Leaking Ductwork
The purpose of your HVAC ductwork is to distribute hot and cool air throughout the house. The moment your air ducts become leaky or are poorly insulated, your HVAC system won’t capitalize on its power. The system has to overwork, which translates to the consumption of more power.
Be sure to inspect and clean the air ducts regularly. Hire a professional to do the job for you. All leaks need sealing with either caulking or metal foil tape.
10. Insulation Your Attic
A significant amount of hot or cold air escapes your home through the roof. One way to stop this is by insulating your attic space.
Check your current insulation’s R-value. If it’s below the recommended level, you may want to add more layers of insulation. This helps keep your home comfortably warm or cool.
11. Don’t Overload the Refrigerator
When it comes to refrigerators, get the right size for your home. Remember, bigger fridges generally use more electricity.
Always ensure there’s proper spacing between the items in the refrigerator. This encourages proper air circulation and efficient cooling. Overloading the refrigerator has the opposite effect.
Seal your refrigerator’s door, so cool air doesn’t escape. Where you have a manual defrost freezer, defrost it regularly to help conserve energy. Frost build-up can affect how the motor works, causing more energy consumption.
Start to Minimize Energy Costs Today
Reducing energy costs makes much financial and environmental sense. Fortunately, it’s something every homeowner can do if they’re determined to. All it takes is adopting a few common-sense practices around the home.
Would you like to read more content on conserving energy in your home? Please keep visiting our blog.