Prices are rising everywhere, and energy bills are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners who continue to see costs soar each month. Investing in energy-efficient home upgrades is an excellent way to save money while lowering energy usage.
Fortunately, the increasing demand for clean, eco-friendly solutions to slash costs and limit the environmental impact of fuel makes it easy for you to find ways to reduce your energy bill. Whether you want to start small with easy and affordable fixes, or go big with a home remodel, you can put some great ideas into action. Find out more about how you can lower your bills all while reducing energy and cutting down on pollution with these 12 upgrades to make today.
Unplug Your Appliances
Did you know that your appliances may use electricity even when they aren’t in use? You can conserve energy pretty easily and reduce your bill by unplugging appliances when you don’t need them.
Use LED Lightbulbs
Switching out your incandescent lightbulbs for LEDs is a fast and simple change that has a big impact. These bulbs use a lot less energy, leading to savings of hundreds of dollars each year.
Get Smarter
Smart devices are an excellent solution to lower your monthly bills by cutting down on your energy usage. You can purchase appliances that have automated settings and remote-controlled options. For example, a smart thermostat can lower the temperature when you aren’t home, while you sleep, or in rooms you aren’t using. Smart light controls are also popular, and let you turn your lights on or off using an app from your mobile phone, so you can control them from practically anywhere.
Operate Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans work great for circulating the air in a room to keep the temperature comfortable, letting you lower your thermostat and save energy. They even work during the winter when run in reverse, pushing hot air back down as it rises.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
If it’s time to replace your washer, dryer, or another appliance, consider replacing it with an affordable, energy-efficient model. Look for the ENERGY STAR certification to identify the correct model. Keep an eye on older appliances, as they often become less efficient with time.
Turn Down The Temperature
A simple adjustment on your thermostat of just a few degrees can save money while still keeping you warm. Also consider lowering the temperature of your hot water heater by twenty degrees and set it to 120 degrees, instead of the standard 140 degrees. You can still take hot showers and handle your household tasks while reducing your heating costs.
Maintain Your Ductwork
Leaking ducts account for up to 40% of heated air loss. A professional HVAC technician can clean and inspect the ducts, ensuring they are tightly fitted and damage-free.
Invest In A Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters take a lot of energy to maintain the temperature of the water stored in the tank. Instead, opt for a tankless water heater that only heats the water you need, when you’re ready to use it.
Install A Heat Pump
Heat pumps are a year-round solution for both home heating and cooling. They are generally more energy efficient than other types of HVAC systems, saving hundreds of dollars annually.
Weatherize
Another great way to reduce energy bills is by weatherizing your home. Make sure it’s sealed and insulated to keep the elements out and your home safe and comfortable. Take the DIY route with some weatherstripping and caulk to keep costs low. Or, you can hire a professional service that inspects your property and makes repairs and recommendations for improvements.
Adding an extra layer of insulation to the basement, attic, and crawl spaces is particularly useful. You should also pay close attention to the seals around your windows and doors. Other options are installing storm windows or upgrading to new, double-panel windows.
Consider Solar Panels
Solar panels are expensive upfront but deliver big energy savings for years. When properly installed and maintained, solar panels last for 30 years or more. You may also qualify for federal or state incentives to help lower the cost.
Repair Your Roof
An old roof often has cracks that leak away heat, forcing your heating system to work harder and run up higher energy bills. Repairing your roof, or replacing it if necessary, can eliminate leaks and help to reflect sunlight and improve ventilation. These factors contribute to more even temperature control throughout the entire year.
While some of these suggestions require a significant initial investment, they more than make up for it in the savings you will see in the following years. If a big upgrade isn’t in your budget yet, start with some more affordable measures. Over time, you can take action on others as you save up money. Keep in mind that many prospective home buyers favor these kinds of upgrades. If selling your home is a plan for the future, then completing various improvements could benefit you in several ways, by providing energy savings now and making your home more appealing to buyers when you are ready to sell.
You might also be interested in: Older Home Energy Efficiency: 7 Upgrades That Will Make a Difference
