Today, on National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, look for ways to reduce energy costs and save on your energy bills. Consider scheduling an appointment to get your heating and cooling system examined. A professional energy audit gives you a thorough picture of where your home is losing energy and what you can do to save money.
This includes checking the airflow over the coil, testing for the correct fluid (refrigerant) level, checking that the combustion process and heat exchanger are operating safely, and ensuring proper air-flow to each room. In addition, you should clean the air filters in your heating and cooling system once a month, and replace them regularly. Dusty filters make furnaces work hard, increasing energy costs and potentially causing blower malfunctions.
You can also save money by turning off lights when leaving a room, using energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, taking shorter showers, and only running the dishwasher and washing machine when fully loaded. Energy-efficient dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand with an open tap.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 40 percent of a home’s energy is lost due to air infiltration from the outdoors. Air seeps in through ceilings, walls, and from areas exposed to external elements like windows and doors. You can greatly reduce this by adding insulation, and weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors.
You can also decrease your energy bill by using solar heat and replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones. During winter months, take advantage of sunlight by opening your curtains during the day to allow the sun to naturally heat your home.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat. Most models will allow you to preset and select temperatures by the hour for every day of the week. You could save an estimated 10 percent per year on heating and cooling costs by resetting it when asleep or away from home.
Check out Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick to learn how much of your home’s energy use is related to heating and cooling versus other everyday uses like appliances, lighting, and hot water.
A smart thermostat is actually a good thing. But it’s also advisable to not mess with your thermostat too extremely or too often. Try not to crank it up or down too frequently, as doing so can cause stress on the heating system’s internal coils and pipe work.
Also, consider upgrading to a high-SEER air conditioner for improved energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduced carbon footprint. Overall, these models provide a more sustainable and comfortable home environment. Before buying an AC, please remember to check new efficiency standards for HVAC systems in 2023 — these changes are legally effective from January 1 this year.
Let me add one more thing related to home insulation. If you have a central air conditioning system, remember to inspect your ductwork for leaks and eliminate them when needed. Leaky ducts can cause a decline of up to 40% in your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, which means reducing your home’s energy efficiency.
Thanks for the energy-saving tips! I also want to add that if you have a swimming pool, it’s worth considering switching to a variable speed pump. These pumps use a more efficient motor compared to single or dual-speed pumps, resulting in significant energy savings over time.
P.S. When choosing a pump, look for Energy Star certification or high-efficiency ratings to maximize your energy savings.
Thank you for your valuable tips. As for the thermostat, in summer, set it to 78 degrees when you’re at home and to at least 80 degrees if your home is vacant for more than a few hours. This will help you save more energy on cooling.
Checking for plumbing leaks is also crucial for water conservation efforts. Even a small, unnoticed leak can waste a significant amount of water over time. To save water, regularly inspect your faucets, pipes, and toilet connections for any signs of leakage, such as dripping or moisture buildup. Another method to check for hidden plumbing leaks is to use a water leak detection system. If they detect a sudden increase in water flow or usage when there should be none, they will alert you to the potential leak.
Thanks for the tips on reducing energy consumption. One additional tip not mentioned is the strategic use of rugs and carpets. In addition to creating a cozy and warm atmosphere, they can also help retain heat by preventing warmth from escaping through any holes and cracks in wooden floors. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in heating bills by up to 10%.
Yes, replacing HVAC filters is key for a home’s energy efficiency, so I’m glad you mentioned it. Very often, dirty filters become a reason for various problems with the system. Sometimes homeowners even think they need an HVAC system replacement, when all they need first is to change the filter and monitor. I recommend changing filters once every 60-90 days. To check if your filter needs replacement, just take a quick look at it. Dirty filters look gray and clogged, and you might even see dust and debris visibly accumulated on the surface. A clean filter, in contrast, will be white and free from debris.
Great article! Homeowners should also remember to insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, keep water hotter for longer, and reduce the amount of energy required to heat the water. You can buy pre-slit foam pipe insulation that fits your pipes diameter, wrap it around the pipes, and secure it with duct tape or cable ties.
Thanks for sharing these energy-saving tips! It’s great to see that there are so many simple and practical ways to reduce energy consumption and lower our utility bills. I’ll definitely be trying some of these out in my own home.