Saving on Your Energy Bill is Easy When You Try These Expert Tips and Tricks
August 06, 2024
It seems that everybody and their grandmother has tips on how to save energy around the house these days, but have you ever wondered how effective some of these tricks really are?
Well, the truth is that there are energy-saving tips that anyone can apply to their heating system, so to give you a head start, today we’re going to tell you about three of the simplest but most effective ways you can save energy and money this year.
Get Rid of Your Old and Inadequate Thermostat
The hotter you keep your house in summer and the cooler you keep it in winter, the more money you’ll save on your energy bills.
This idea is great in theory, but in practice, it doesn’t work because who wants to be sweltering all the time in the summer and freezing in the winter?
A much better option to save up to 30 percent on your energy bills is a programmable thermostat, because these devices allow you to control the temperature in your home based on whether or not anybody is home to enjoy the climate controlled air.
In summer, program the thermostat so the air conditioning comes on less frequently during the day when nobody is home and at night when everybody is asleep. However, program the thermostat to come on more often in the morning and evening when everybody is home and awake. In winter, you use the same schedule to control the furnace, and this is how a programmable thermostat can make your home more energy efficient and help you reduce your bills.
Replace Decorative Curtains and Drapes with Functional Ones
Have you ever seen those see-through lace curtains that look beautiful but make you wonder exactly what purpose they serve?
Window coverings like this are more decorative than functional, but if you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, then drapes that serve both purposes are the way to go.
You can do this with either dedicated energy-efficient drapes that have a thick spongy backing, or you can buy thick drapes with a light-colored lining. In summer, keep the drapes closed to keep the heat from the sun out, and in winter you open the drapes to let the heat in. This way, your air conditioner and furnace don’t work as hard.
Seal up Your Duct System to Improve Efficiency
Every time your furnace fires up or your air conditioner comes on, it’s the ducts that distribute the air throughout the house. The problem with ducts, however, is that holes and poorly sealed joints can cause leaks, and this can result in as much as 30 percent of the air being lost.
Not only does this mean your furnace and air conditioner have to work harder, but it also means your home is less efficient and that your energy bills will be higher. If duct leaks are a problem in your house, insulate and seal your ductwork as part of a DIY weekend project, or call in a local Fredericksburg, VA professional to get the job done.
Although curtains and duct tape may not be on most people’s lists when it comes to energy conservation tips, these things—as well as a good pair of drapes—can do wonders for improving the efficiency of your home and lowering your energy bills. And if there’s one thing we could all use these days, it’s more money in our pockets.