The summer months can be tough on your energy bill. Between cooling the house and keeping the kids entertained, it’s easy to let energy costs get out of control. But there are some simple steps you can take to keep your energy use in check this summer. Here are five tips to help you save on your energy bill this summer.
1. Upgrade Your Furnance
Did you know that heating your house uses more energy than any other appliance in your home? In fact, it’s responsible for up to 42% of your total energy use. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade. A new, energy-efficient furnace can save you up to 30% on your heating costs.
If you’re not ready to replace your furnace, there are still some things you can do to improve its efficiency. Be sure to have it serviced regularly and change the filter monthly. A well-maintained furnace will run more efficiently and use less energy.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save on your energy bill. By setting the temperature to match your schedule, you can ensure that your heating and cooling system isn’t working overtime. Smart thermostats take it one step further by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature accordingly.
You can also use your smart thermostat to monitor your energy use and make changes to save even more money. By taking advantage of all the features a smart thermostat has to offer, you can see significant savings on your energy bill each month.
3. Service Your HVAC Unit
Your HVAC unit is one of the most important appliances in your home. It’s responsible for keeping your house comfortable year-round. But if it’s not properly maintained, it can use a lot of energy and drive up your energy bill.
Be sure to have your HVAC unit serviced at least once a year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should also change your filter every month or two during the cooling season. This will help it run more efficiently and use less energy. You can also save money by using a ceiling fan to circulate the air in your home. Ceiling fans use much less energy than your HVAC unit and can help keep your house cool in the summer.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for about 11% of the average home’s energy use. But you can save a lot of money by using energy-efficient lighting. CFL and LED bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
You can also save money by ensuring your lights are turned off when you’re not using them. Install timers or motion sensors to help automate the process. And be sure to unplug any appliances that are not in use. Even when they’re turned off, they can still use energy if they’re plugged in.
5. Upgrade Your Insulation
In 2020, about 5.64 million existing homes were sold in the U.S. Unfortunately, not all of these homes are properly insulated. If your home is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance it doesn’t have enough insulation.
Upgrading your insulation is a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can do this by adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors. This will help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving you money on your energy bill all year.
You can also save money by sealing any cracks or gaps around your doors and windows. This will help prevent air from escaping, which will keep your house more comfortable and use less energy.
You do not have to spend a lot of money to save on your energy bill this summer. By following these simple tips, you can see significant savings each month. So, don’t wait any longer. Start saving today.
