7 Ways to Get a Lower Energy Bill for Your Home
You might be surprised at some of the simple ways you can have a lower energy bill next month. Learn what they are here.
Recent studies show that 54% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. In other words, more than half of the people in our country are struggling to get by. They have nothing left over at the end of each month to pay off debt, put into savings, or treat themselves.
The good news, however, is that there are countless ways in which you can reduce your costs, save money, and start paving the way to financial security. For example, did you know that you can achieve a lower energy bill to save hundreds of dollars a year?
It may seem questionable, but we're going to tell you how to do it. Keep reading for our top 7 tips on how to save energy.
1. Be More Conscious About Heating and Cooling Your Home
In most cases, conservation comes down to consciousness. Being more conscious about how we conduct ourselves in life can have profound benefits. In terms of getting a lower energy bill, being more conscious about how you heat and cool your home can go a long way.
First, we recommend investing in a smart thermostat. Program your thermostat to work less while you're sleeping and at work.
You don't need your home to be at the perfect temperature when you're not there. And during colder months, you don't need a bunch of heat while you're tucked into your warm bed at night.
We also recommend using open windows, fans, and ceiling fans during the summer to cool your home in the morning. That way your AC won't have to work as hard all day.
Finally, conduct proper HVAC maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. Even a dirty filter can decrease its efficiency.
2. Install Solar Window Film on Your Windows
Speaking of heating and cooling, did you know that sunlight coming in through your windows can drastically heat up your house? If you want lower energy bills, consider installing solar window film.
Not only will window tinting keep out unwanted heat but it will also block UV rays, reduce glare, and reduce the fading of your furniture and decor. Your home will be much more comfortable, particularly on hot summer days.
Check out our energy savings calculator to see just how much it can help you achieve a lower energy bill.
3. Use LED Light Bulbs
Updating your lighting is one of the simplest tips on how to save energy. By changing all of the light bulbs in your house to LED bulbs, you can reduce your energy usage substantially. LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting.
These bulbs have also been shown to last up to 25 times longer. This means low energy bills and less money spent on replacing light bulbs.
4. Turn Off and Unplug
If you want a lower energy bill, train yourself and everyone else in the household to turn off and unplug. For example, if you're not in a room, the light doesn't need to be on. Nor does the bathroom exhaust fan, the TV, or any other electronics.
However, sometimes, unplugging an electronic isn't enough. Some devices are what's known as energy vampires. These electronics continue to suck energy even when turned off or in rest mode.
Typical energy vampires include:
- TVs
- Computers
- Gaming systems
- Phone chargers
- Coffee pots
- Etc.
Together, these devices can use a lot of energy, costing you money. To prevent this from happening, unplug these types of electronics when you're not using them.
5. Use Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics
Even if you're using your electronics and appliances consciously, they might still be costing you more energy than is necessary. Not all devices are designed to run as efficiently as possible. This is particularly true of old appliances and electronics.
When it comes time to replace these items, look for Energy Star certified products. These products are government certified to use far less energy than their counterparts. You can find everything from TVs to refrigerators that use as little as half the energy of non-energy-efficient products.
If your entire house was outfitted with Energy Star electronics and appliances, you would passively save tons of money each year.
6. Eliminate Drafts
Learning how to save energy means figuring out where you're losing it. For example, older homes are the worst offenders when it comes to costly drafts. These often come from uninsulated windows, gaps, cracks, and other openings that let in cold air.
If you want to enjoy lower energy bills, locate and remediate all of these issues. The most common places, of course, are at doors and windows.
Make sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping. You might also need to get out the caulk to seal cracks and gaps.
Finally, if you have single-pane windows (which is possible if your home is older), you might consider replacing them. They offer almost no insulation against cold temperatures.
7. Use Less Hot Water
Did you know that using less hot water can lead to lower energy bills? Think about it.
Every time you use hot water, your hot water tank must refill. Then it spends energy heating the new water in the tank. The more hot water you use, the more energy is needed to keep the hot water tank at the appropriate temperature.
Therefore, you can save money by taking shorter showers and washing your clothes in cold water. The same can be said about handwashing dishes, washing your hands, etc.
Finally, most hot water tanks have temperature control settings. Lower the maximum heat of the water tank to save even more on your energy bill.
Want a Lower Energy Bill?
As you can see, achieving a lower energy bill can be accomplished in any number of ways. Now imagine how much money you could save by applying all of the tips listed above. Wouldn't it be nice to save hundreds of dollars a year without having to put in very much work?
And if you're wondering, "how does window tinting help save energy?" Maximum Shade Tinting can provide you with the answer. Contact us today to learn all about solar window film and to get a free estimate for our services.
