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5 Tips To Lower Utility Bills
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, almost 50 percent
of a typical home’s utility bill is attributed to heating and air
conditioning, 30 percent to appliances and lighting, and 20 percent to the
water heater and refrigerator. This equates to almost $1,500 in energy
bills for a typical household.
Following are ways to reduce your utility bills:
Tune it. A pre-season tune-up and filter is a good
investment for removing dirty air that clogs your HVAC system, improving
airflow and helping your system run efficiently. A tune-up also reduces
the chances of an HVAC breakdown in mid-winter and improves safety.
Keeping your system running at peak efficiency equates to less energy use
and lower utility bills.
Upgrade it. If your HVAC system is older than 10 years, it may be
time for an upgrade. Installing a new, high-efficiency system that uses
non-ozone depleting refrigerant can reduce your annual heating and cooling
costs from by 30 to 50 percent. Installing a new system can pay for itself
in what you save.
Replace it. When purchasing new appliances, electronics and
lighting, save money on your utility bill and help the environment by
purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products. Products that have earned the
ENERGY STAR have the highest rating a product can earn for energy
efficiency. When replacing light bulbs, be sure to use ENERGY STAR
qualified bulbs which are known to use 75 percent less energy than
standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
Insulate it. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading
causes of energy waste in most homes. Check the insulation in your attic,
crawlspaces, and any hard-to-reach spaces that tend to be the biggest
energy loss areas. Look for gaps in the insulation and areas with
inadequate coverage. Adding another layer of insulation can make your home
more comfortable by maintaining a uniform temperature throughout your
house and can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill.
Seal it. Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out
of your home during the winter will result in higher energy bills. Check
for air leaks near windows, doors, outlets and switches by holding a lit
incense stick next to them on a windy day. If the smoke stream moves
horizontally, you have located an air leak. Caulk and weatherstrip doors
and windows that leak air. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing,
ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors or
ceilings. Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on
exterior walls.
Take these steps to increase your comfort and reduce your utility bills.
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com.
At MyGuidesUSA.com (
http://www.myguidesusa.com ), you will find valuable tips and
resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a
wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child,
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Find home improvement tips and resources at
http://www.myguidesusa.com/homeimprovement
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