As a homeowner, you take pride in your property. It’s a combination of many different decisions, culminating in something that’s uniquely yours. From the lawn to the porch, to the interior, you’re in charge of where you live. That said, homeownership comes with a variety of expenses.
In addition to paying for lawn care, roofing repairs and yearly HVAC inspections, you also have to prepare for your monthly bills. Although your mortgage payment might be lower than any rent you’ve ever paid, you could face more expensive electricity bills with a large home.
It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck with the bill you get, but you can take back control of how much you pay. Read on to learn about reducing your energy expenses with seven simple changes anyone can start using today. Think about how each tip could apply to your life and try them out to see how they slash your energy bill to more affordable rates.
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1. Replace Your Air Filters
People don’t often think about their HVAC unit until it either breaks or needs its yearly inspection. It keeps your home a comfortable temperature all year long, but there’s more you can do to make sure it works correctly, ultimately lowering your energy expenditure.
When was the last time you replaced your air filters? They’re tucked away in vents or utility closets, so you might have forgotten about them. If you check them and see a layer of dust, it’s time to switch them out.
Clogged air filters make HVAC units work overtime to push air through your home, raising your electricity bill. Replace your air filters every two months or as often as needed so you breathe clean air and don’t pay extra for it.
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2. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Homeowners always have the option to change their thermostat and get more from the product that regulates their home. Newer models allow people to reduce their home expenses by programming settings for different times of the day.
You could save hundreds of dollars every year after investing in a new thermostat because it will reduce your power usage, lowering your energy expenditure.
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3. Reduce Your Oven Usage
Homeowners often use their oven every day to cook for themselves or their families. You can’t imagine a world without one, but it might be time to reduce your oven usage. It requires energy to heat up and continue running for whatever time your recipes need.
In addition to this, you’re circulating more heat throughout your home when you operate your oven. Your air conditioning unit will have to work harder to keep your home’s interior cool. It’s a small detail, but one to consider if you frequently cook with your oven.
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4. Hang Light-Blocking Curtains
Your air conditioner kicks on whenever your home gets too warm, which might happen more frequently because of the heat and sunlight coming through your windows.
Hang light-blocking curtains to keep the sunlight out during the hottest parts of the day. You’ll immediately notice a difference and find that your energy bill is much more affordable at the end of the month.
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5. Switch to LED Lights
The last time you bought lightbulbs, you might have grabbed whatever box was on sale. Next time, save yourself some money and switch to LED lights instead. LED bulbs emit less heat and need less total power than traditional incandescent bulbs.
You’ll keep more money in your wallet and enjoy a better at-home work life at the same time.
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6. Reduce Your Energy Expenses With Cold Water
Every time you turn on your washing machine, do you adjust the temperature of the wash cycle? Keeping it on a cold setting may be the key to getting control over your rising electricity bill.
Every time you use hot or warm water to wash your clothes, your water heater turns on and works overtime to meet your needs. Cold water requires little to no electricity, so you don’t pay extra with every load of laundry.
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7. Check Window Seals
Unless you’ve sealed windows before, some homeowners may not be aware of the importance of a working seal. With time, seals can peel away and allow small drafts into your home.
Your HVAC unit will turn on more often as the hot or cold air leaks inside, driving up your electric bill. You can hold a candle next to your window seals to test for leaks and re-seal any areas that need attention to regulate the temperature of your home.
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Test Different Tips
Every home is different, so when it comes to reducing your energy expenses, it’s smart to test different tips. Install a new thermostat, reduce your oven usage and switch your lightbulbs to start saving money when it comes to your electric bill.