Learn How You Can Save Money on Your Monthly Energy Bill
Do you often find yourself with an out of control energy bill? You actually have control over how and when you are using your electricity. There are many reasons your bill may be high and we’ve done the research to help you understand why. We’ve also included great home energy saving tips on reducing your usage that will save you money each month.
Lifestyle
Studies show that the amount of people living in your home directly affect how much energy is being used. Also, if you have guests visitingHom the home, you must expect higher energy costs due to laundry, cooking, showering, heating and cooling, etc. If you want to reduce the amount of energy being used in your home, put these tips into use. Use your hot water sparingly when bathing. Try taking a shorter shower. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets around your home. Operate your washer and dryer when it is full, not just when it’s convenient. Change some of your daily habits for big home energy savings.
Ways to Cool Your Home
Use plants that are native to Florida and position deciduous trees on the southwestern corner of your home. This will give your home shade during the hot summer months because of the angle of the sun. For additional advice on what trees to plant and where, visit www.arborday.org. Another great way to reduce direct sunlight hitting your home is to use various window treatments.
Some simple everyday tips you should consider when trying to save on home energy is to always turn off all lights; unplug electronic chargers when not in use; turn off computers and printers when done using them. Turn on a fan and you’ll be able to raise your thermostat 3 degrees or more and feel comfortable at less cost.
Proper Ventilhation
Another great way to reduce energy costs is proper attic ventilation. Excessive heat builds up in the attic during the summer months and creates higher energy cooling costs. Make sure you have a well-insulated ceiling, this will prevent moisture coming into your attic. Excessive amounts of moisture from daily showering, dish washing, laundry and more will cause an increase in humidity levels in the home. Make sure you use bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce the level of humidity in your home. To keep your home cooler, make sure your attic is well-ventilated with proper air flow. These tips will add up on home energy saving.
Thermostat Settings to Save Money
Living in Florida, we enjoy keeping our homes cool due to the high temperatures outside. Energy companies recommend setting your thermostat between 78-80 in the summer and 68-70 or below in the winter. You can save 3-5% of your heating costs each degree lowers your thermostat is set in the winters. Always set your thermostat to 82 in the summer and 55 in the winter when you leave for an extended period of time to save money.
Ducts
Did you know that about 80% of homes lose the majority of energy through leaky ducts. Be sure to have a professional inspect your air conditioning and heating systems to make sure everything is running smoothly. Also, check your air filters every month and be sure to replace them when they build up dirt. A clogged filter will only make your unit have to work that much harder and increase cost. Cleaning your filters will add up in home energy savings.
Weatherize Your Home for Energy Savings
Your heating and cooling bill may also increase (25-40%) if it is poorly weatherized. In order to avoid this increase, homeowners should seal all air leaks in their duct work, electrical outlets, light fixtures and plumbing. Additionally, caulk and weather-strip exterior doors, windows, attic opening and baseboards.
Water Heating
The second leading cause of energy consumption is water heating. It accounts for 14-25% of the energy being consumed by your home. There are many things you can do to conserve hot water. First, install a low-flow showerhead. This will greatly reduce the amount of water coming out of your showerhead by half and is inexpensive. Additionally, you should set your water heater’s temperature to 115. If you have an older electric water heater, you can insulate it. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets in your home. Just one drip per second can cost $1 per month, which over time will add up. Also, wash your clothing with cold water instead of hot. You can install a water heater timer and set it to your family’s needs.
Home Energy Saving in the Kitchen
Did you know that your refrigerator is the most widely used appliance in America? It is also one of the biggest energy users in your home. Only keep the refrigerator door open for short periods of time. It’s recommended to clean off the condensing coils on the bottom or back of your fridge every so often. Also, keep your freezer full of bags of ice or cartons of frozen water for peak efficiency. When cooking, you should defrost frozen foods in the fridge first. You will use 1/3 less energy when baking food defrosted. You should also lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees when using ceramic, glass or stainless-steel cookware. These materials conduct and retain heat better than others.
Energy Star Products
Furthermore, consumers should check for the Energy Star label when making a major home appliance purchase. The Energy Star was created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency for consumers to identify the need for energy efficiency. Although some of the products may cost a little more, they will save you on your utility bills in the long run.
Home Energy Saving on Lighting
Lighting in your home accounts for about $200 on your annual household electric bill. There is an average of more than 40 sockets for bulbs in the American household. Purchasing an Energy Star lightbulb will save you money and also emit less heat, making your home more comfortable. An Energy Star lightbulb can last up to eight times longer than a regular bulb and LED lights much longer.
Energy Vampires
Some items in your home require energy when not providing an actual useful function and are known as “energy vampires.” This is also sometimes known as “standby power.” Some energy vampires you might not realize are using energy in your home are: cell phone chargers, camera chargers, battery chargers and power adapters. If you’re not charging a device on them, be sure to unplug them from the socket. An average U.S. household spends about $100 a year to power these devices. It is also recommended to use a power strip or surge suppressor for your home entertainment system. Just click the switch when you’re not using your television.
In conclusion, there are many different ways you can save on your monthly energy bill. We hope that you put some of these great pieces of advice into practice and see the home energy savings stack up.
Make the Move to Citrus County
There is something for everyone when you are at your leisure in Citrus County Florida. So if you are looking for an idyllic setting to call home, contact one of our friendly professionals at Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus. Speak with a professional today: Crystal River (352) 794-6100 or Sugarmill Woods (352) 382-2700.
When you’re ready to build, contact the trusted professionals of Edward Russell Johnston Inc. Over 42 years of experience building beautiful homes in Sugarmill Woods and across the Nature Coast. Call (352) 795-2200.
