What’s the single worst day of every month? Let me guess – it has something to do with your mailman handing you that thin white envelope with the logo of your gas company stamped on the front.
It may sound like a bad TV commercial, but the truth is that energy bills are painful. Always higher than expected and never with a clear explanation of why the cost keeps increasing, gas and electric bills can kill your account balance if left unchecked.
That’s why I’ve compiled the following list of five simple, DIY ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency fast.
Thermostat Control
It’s simple but it works. Turn down your thermostat for both the furnace/boiler and your water heater. In the winter months, you can save anywhere from 5-20% on your heating costs just be reducing your thermostat to 68 degrees when home and 55 degrees when not home. On your hot water heater, dropping the thermostat to 120 degrees will save up to 10% on your monthly water heating costs and you probably won’t feel the difference.
It’s simple but it works. Turn down your thermostat for both the furnace/boiler and your water heater. In the winter months, you can save anywhere from 5-20% on your heating costs just be reducing your thermostat to 68 degrees when home and 55 degrees when not home. On your hot water heater, dropping the thermostat to 120 degrees will save up to 10% on your monthly water heating costs and you probably won’t feel the difference.
Caulking
Sealing some leaks in your home is a lot of work. Weather stripping, insulation and outdoor sealants are all a decent amount of work and may require a professional’s assistance, but the simple leaks around your electrical conduits, pipes and closets can be sealed with a $5 tube of caulk and a free hour on a Sunday afternoon. Those gaps can cost you dearly so seal them up and start saving.
Sealing some leaks in your home is a lot of work. Weather stripping, insulation and outdoor sealants are all a decent amount of work and may require a professional’s assistance, but the simple leaks around your electrical conduits, pipes and closets can be sealed with a $5 tube of caulk and a free hour on a Sunday afternoon. Those gaps can cost you dearly so seal them up and start saving.
Filter Checkups
The filters on your furnace or air conditioner are designed to keep the air clean but when they get clogged, not only does the air tend to get dirtier than it would otherwise, you use even more energy as your device fights with a clogged filter. Clean the filters at least once a month and more often if necessary. You’ll save 5% on your heating bill doing this alone.
The filters on your furnace or air conditioner are designed to keep the air clean but when they get clogged, not only does the air tend to get dirtier than it would otherwise, you use even more energy as your device fights with a clogged filter. Clean the filters at least once a month and more often if necessary. You’ll save 5% on your heating bill doing this alone.
Buy a Programmable Thermostat
You don’t need a fancy $500 thermostat to save money. There are simple, no frills options that can be programmed to turn down the heat when you’re not home, turn up the heat when you are and conserve energy when everyone is sleeping. Save anywhere from 5-15% on your energy bill for only $100.
Audit Your Appliances
Replacing a major appliance or HVAC component is an expensive proposition, but if the old device is in bad enough shape the savings can be substantial. Extremely old furnaces, for example, have AFUE ratings of as low as 50%. New furnaces can carry efficiency ratings of up to 98%. You could cut your gas bill in half next year with such a device. The same is true for your washing machine, water heater, air conditioner and more.
You don’t need a fancy $500 thermostat to save money. There are simple, no frills options that can be programmed to turn down the heat when you’re not home, turn up the heat when you are and conserve energy when everyone is sleeping. Save anywhere from 5-15% on your energy bill for only $100.
Audit Your Appliances
Replacing a major appliance or HVAC component is an expensive proposition, but if the old device is in bad enough shape the savings can be substantial. Extremely old furnaces, for example, have AFUE ratings of as low as 50%. New furnaces can carry efficiency ratings of up to 98%. You could cut your gas bill in half next year with such a device. The same is true for your washing machine, water heater, air conditioner and more.
Energy consumption can be deceptive if you’re not careful. What seems like a small difference can add up quickly, especially when there are so many “small” things you could improve.
Be sensible, make changes when possible and when you do make major upgrades, spend accordingly to get the best and most efficiency options on the market.