Keeping the lights on isn’t cheap – nor is the cost of an HVAC system that runs every day. According to the Department of Energy, the average family in the U.S spends $2,200 a year on utilities. That’s quite a chunk of your hard-earned money for sure. However, you may be able to save money by lowering your power usage. Here are a few, simple tips:
Heating and Cooling
Check seals on windows, doors, and appliances: Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are well sealed to keep the cold air where it belongs. Same goes for your doors and windows. A bad seal allows cool or warm air to seep out…energy wasted, and draining your wallet in the process.
Fix leaky ductwork: Improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems by repairing leaky heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts.
Give your thermostat a nudge: Set your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees before you go to bed or are away from home. Doing so for at least eight hours can lower your annual heating and cooling costs by around 10%. A programmable thermostat will do the work for you.
Water
Hot water makes up the next largest part of your utility bill. Cutting back on the amount you use every day is the best place to start if you want to save money. Some tips:
Take shorter showers: Trimming two minutes off your shower time can cut your water usage by 10 gallons.
Replace your showerhead: An efficient showerhead can reduce your water usage by 2,700 gallons per year. Look for one with the WaterSense label, which is certified to meet efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Don’t wash clothes in hot water: Cut your per-load energy usage in half by sticking to warm or cold water when you do laundry.
Fix leaky faucets: That drip, drip, drip isn’t just annoying, it wastes gallons of water. That adds up if you don’t fix it!
Energy Efficient Appliances: The next natural step is to look for appliances that are energy efficient such as a dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. The cost of these appliances can be offset in monthly savings over a couple of years.
If you have any questions about how you can save money when it comes to heating and cooling your home, Weather Master would love to talk to you! Give us a call at (919) 853-7910 or schedule an appointment online!