Are you feeling the weight of your escalating electricity expenses? The mean monthly energy bill for American homes hovers around $115. The good news is, you don't need elaborate measures to begin conserving funds. A number of straightforward modifications around your home can diminish your carbon emissions and lower your expenditures. Crosscountry Mortgage can help you achieve these savings.
Dress Appropriately and Optimize Air Conditioning with Fans It might sound simplistic, but it's worth noting that air conditioners account for an annual expense of nearly $29 billion for homeowners, as cited by energy authorities. When paired with an effective air conditioner, fans can maintain a comfortable environment at a much lower cost. Remember, if a room is already heated, a fan provides little relief as it doesn't cool the room; rather, it creates a wind-chill effect. Dressing according to the season can also save money—try opting for lighter, cotton clothes during warmer periods.
Monitor Your Water Usage The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that heating water for showers, laundry, dishes, and other activities is the second-largest energy cost for a household. Laundry rooms—Unless your clothes are heavily soiled, hot water isn't a necessity for cleaning. Choose warm or cold water and air-dry your clothes when possible. Bathrooms—Consider showers over baths to conserve water, especially with a low-flow showerhead installed. Kitchens—If you have a dishwasher, avoid pre-rinsing and only run it for full loads; also refrain from using the rinse-hold function for a few dirty dishes, as it consumes 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each time.
Seek Out "Energy Vampires" "Energy vampires" refer to devices that continue to consume power even when not in active use. These phantom energy consumers could cost hundreds of dollars annually. Common offenders include cellphone chargers, video game consoles, standby coffee makers, and cable or satellite boxes. To curtail energy consumption, unplug devices you infrequently use and utilize power strips, making it simpler to switch off devices when they're unneeded. Investing in a smart power strip can automatically cut power to devices when they enter standby mode. This Energy Vampire Calculator can assist you in assessing your expenditure on passive energy consumption.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting Installing energy-efficient bulbs is a simple step to enhance your home's energy efficiency and save money long-term. LED bulbs—energy-efficient lights—consume approximately 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and radiate less heat. Furthermore, they last up to 25 times longer, reducing the frequency of bulb replacements.
Seal the Gaps Proper insulation is essential for retaining cooled and heated air, but if you detect drafts through windows or doors, caulking and weather-stripping are effective solutions. If necessary, use window putty to seal loose windowpanes. For future renovations, consider double-paned Energy Star-rated windows to lower your heating and cooling bills, which constitute major energy expenses in any home.
Transition to Energy-Efficient Appliances When replacing older appliances, look for Energy Star-certified options. These products are designed to use less electricity than conventional appliances. While Energy Star products might be pricier upfront, you'll recover the additional cost through savings on energy bills. Use this EnergyGuide label for comparison shopping to evaluate the energy usage of similar appliances.
Enhance Insulation Augmenting the insulation in your attic, ceiling, or walls can plug air leaks and improve your home's heating and cooling costs. While newer homes usually have adequate insulation, older houses may benefit from an upgrade. An extra layer of insulation in a poorly insulated home could lead to savings and a return on investment in a few years. The EPA provides a guide to help homeowners determine their insulation needs based on climate and the type and depth of existing insulation.
Invest in Smart Home Devices Smart devices can play a significant role in your energy-saving plan by enabling remote control from your smartphone. Wi-Fi-connected thermostats, light bulbs, and light switches allow you to schedule usage and monitor energy consumption. Some high-end devices can learn your habits and adjust accordingly. For advanced protection, smart leak sensors can notify your smartphone about detected leaks, enabling you to address the problem promptly.
Unsure? Undertake a Home Energy Audit Employing an auditor can help identify potential energy and money drains in your home. The auditor conducts tests to recommend beneficial home improvements. This might reveal the necessity to clean your air ducts or replace deteriorated window weather-stripping. Many utility companies provide this service for free. Before engaging a company, consider these steps: Gather multiple references and contact each; inquire about their satisfaction with the work. Contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the company. Ensure the energy auditor uses a calibrated blower door. Ensure they conduct thermographic inspections or hire another company to do so.
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