Dirty air filters, drafty windows, leaky faucets are some of the most common issues in homes that cost you money. The U.S. EAP’s Energy Star program estimates that each household can save from 5% to 30% on annual energy costs by incorporating technology to make their homes more energy efficient. Simple adjustments to your usage could put $105 to $625 back into your wallet.
No matter how experienced you are when it comes to home maintenance, you can easily check your energy efficiency yourself. Following the tips below, you will see where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are and some ways to decrease electricity use.
Before we start, here is how the average energy bill breaks down:
Heating: 29%
Electronics: 21%
Water heating: 13%
Cooling: 13%
Appliances: 12%
Light: 12%
Air Leaks
The air usually leaks through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts may save you up to 30% of total yearly energy costs. Check your exterior as well, particularly where two different building materials meet. You can seal leaks with caulk or weather stripping.
Insulate
Check if you have enough insulation in your ceiling and walls. Make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver- if the area isn’t completely filled with insulation, you are probably losing heat/cool air.
Check your HVAC system
Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly and have this equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Lights
More than half of the light sockets in the U.S. still contain an incandescent bulb. LED bulbs use 90% energy versus regular bulbs, and they last a lot longer. Some will last as long as 20 years!
Everyone can take steps to save energy and avoid sending a big check to the power company every month. Start on time preparing for the cooler months and get your home more energy efficient!
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