Even if you're amongst the lucky few homeowners that don't have to worry about how they're going to pay their bills each month, you probably wouldn't turn your nose up at the prospect of saving some money on utilities. And truth be told, with very little expense, effort, or time on your part, you could rack up significant savings over the course of the coming year, and well into the future. This is especially true if you start looking for ways to cut your carbon footprint and reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your household running in the style to which you're accustomed. Of course, you can't just snap your fingers and make it happen. But neither do you have to resort to installing solar panels or an entire smart home system. Here are a few simple yet effective ways to cut your costs and do a good turn for the environment where your electrical usage is concerned.
1. Home energy audit. The place to start is with a home energy audit. When you know where waste is occurring you can nip it in the bud and have your household operating more efficiently in no time. A professional auditor will inspect your entire house, run a series of tests, and deliver a report that tells you which areas of your home are costing more than they should. Of course, the onus is then on you to repair any problems that are causing you to pay for more energy than you should be using. But it's a good springboard for getting your home to a more energy-efficient state.
2. Add insulation. If your home is fairly new, the chances that you'll need new insulation are pretty slim. But if you have an older home and you've started to notice drafts, cold or hot spots (depending on the season), and rising energy costs, you could have some insulation issues on your hands. Some are simple enough to fix; perhaps you merely need weather stripping around windows and doors, or a bead of caulk around vents or ductwork will do the trick. But you may need to solve larger issues like settling or deterioration of fill or batting in walls, the attic and crawl spaces, or the basement. In this case, adding extra product or replacing outdated insulation with modern foam is a great option.
3. Energy film. There's practically no easier way to deflect the heat of the summer sun and keep your home cooler with less energy than to apply this energy-efficient cling film to windows throughout your house. Most such products boast the ability to reduce the incursion of the sun's heat-producing rays by as much as 90%. And in addition to lowering your utility bills, this can help to stop fading of furniture, drapery, and other materials. You might also add more permanent and attractive fixes like awnings outside windows, but energy film is a relatively inexpensive and easy solution if you live in a particularly sunny climate.
4. Energy Star products. Whether you've decided to upgrade your windows and doors to more insulated and energy-efficient products, it's high time to replace your appliances, or you're looking for electronics and lighting that require less electricity, the EnergyStar.gov website can introduce you to a variety of products designed to help you scratch your green itch and save some money in the process. And you might be surprised by the number of useful solutions they offer, from approved light bulbs and refrigerators to computers, HVAC equipment, and even roofing materials.
5. Conserve. There's just no easier way to cut down your energy bill than through conservation efforts, most of which will cost you nothing more than a change to your daily routine. While replacing your energy-guzzling incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights that use a third of the energy and last ten times a long is a great step for energy-efficiency in your home, you still need to encourage kids to turn off the lights when they leave a room.
6. Plant a tree. You know that trees help to pull toxins from the air and reoxygenate the environment, but you might not immediately discern how they can help you lower your electric bill. However, the right trees can provide shade not only for your yard, but also for you home. And keeping sunlight off your structure during the hottest part of the day can seriously cool the interior, reducing your demand for electric cooling.
HVAC solutions. If you're looking for ways to save energy, you could always check out alternative providers if you live in a deregulated area. An Ambit Energy BBB review might give you the keys to lowering your monthly bill. However, you may not have such options, in which case you're going to have to do the legwork yourself. And one of the biggest areas of waste for most homes is the central air system. Luckily, you can upgrade to Energy Star approved equipment when your furnace or AC units need replacement. And you can easily install a programmable thermostat to set a schedule that accounts for times you're away from home, helping to cut energy usage and reduce your costs in the process.