Cutting down on your energy bill is probably one of the easiest ways you can reduce your monthly expenses – and it’s better for the environment, too.
How to reduce your energy bill? You need to conduct an energy audit on your home.
The good news is that small things like air leaks, inefficient insulation, and faulty appliances are the most likely culprits.
Following these simple tips will help you identify areas that need improvement so you can save on your monthly bills.
Check for Air Leaks
The most common reasons for unusually high energy consumption are air leaks on the interior or exterior of your home.
Air leaks are problematic because they allow non-regulated air from outside to circulate inside your home. Air that’s cooler or warmer mixes with the temperature-controlled air, which forces your HVAC system to work that much harder to keep the temperature regulated.
Because the HVAC is working harder, it uses more energy to do its job – which ends up costing you more money. Typically, particularly bad air leaks are noticeable from the outside of your home – they can be cracks or small holes.
Thoroughly inspect all your brick and stonework for any signs of wear or damage, and check the foundation, siding, mortar, and all the doors and windows. Look for cracks – if you find any, seal them with caulk.
Next, check your home’s interior. Inspect faucets, pipes, wiring, and electrical outlets. If you notice that the air in a particular spot feels warmer or cooler than the rest of the house, chances are it’s an air leak. If you find air leaks, repair the gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
Check Your Insulation
After you’ve checked your home for air leaks, it’s time to have a look at your insulation. Insulation is essential to keep your house as energy-efficient as possible.
As with air leaks, poor insulation will allow drafts or rooms that are difficult to keep warm or cool – which increases your energy consumption when you use air conditioning.
Checking your insulation and repairing any gaps will not only increase your comfort level, it will reduce your energy bill, too. Make sure to look for specialists in insulation Clarksville TN if you want professionals to handle your insulation repair.
Consider Your Lighting Solutions
Lighting contributes to a significant portion of your energy bill – typically as much as 10%. Upgrading to LED or fluorescent bulbs can dramatically impact your energy consumption.
LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and they will last a lot longer than traditional incandescent bulbs – they are not just the greener option, but they will save you money as well.
Maintain Your Appliances
Aside from air leaks, appliances are the biggest energy guzzlers. When you’re purchasing new ones, look for the Energy Star Certificate to be sure that they are energy-efficient.
Your other appliances – such as your furnace and water heater – will usually just require some maintenance.
Check your furnace to make sure that all the air filters are replaced when they become encased in dust or wear out. Then, check your water heater for sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. When these appliances are unable to function properly, they are forced to work harder and consume more energy.
