It’s no big secret that energy costs are a major concern for most households these days. Utility bills in particular can be a huge expense for families looking to keep their costs down. As such, many families looking to pinch pennies are setting out with the intention to lower their energy bill and use that money for something more practical.
The good news is that there are plenty of people who have managed to get their energy bills down by simply adopting energy-efficient practices. It’s as simple as adjusting your daily routines, and knowing the right tricks and tips. Here are some of the best tips for saving money on your energy bills than putting more money in your pocket.
Turn off Heating and Cooling When Absent
There is a common misconception that has swirled around for years that you consume less energy by leaving your heat and cooling on at a low setting constantly rather than turning it off and on according to your presence. However, leaving your heaters on while you’re gone is just plain wasteful.
This is especially true if you work or travel regularly. The same goes for your air conditioner. Every second that these devices are on you can imagine coins falling into a piggy bank, and adding up to your overall energy bill.
Don’t use your HVAC system unless you’re actually there, it’s as simple as that. If turning it off and on doesn’t come naturally to you, then consider programming your thermostat to adjust itself based on your schedule. You can even consider installing a smart thermostat which will allow you to adjust your temperature settings no matter where you are from the comfort of your phone.
Insulate Your Home
If you have extremely high energy bills, then this is likely due to a poorly insulated home. Proper insulation will help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overworking your heater or air conditioner. This can be a problem in older homes which were not sealed when they were built, and as such they’re energy vampires in today’s day and age.
However, it’s never too late to insulate your home. Seal any gaps and cracks with caulk, or even foam. And consider replacing any single pane windows with double. The more you can insulate and seal your home’s temperature, the better your heat and cooling system will perform, and the lower your overall bill will be.
Turn off Lights
If you’re like most people, you may be guilty of leaving the light on when you leave the room once in a while. After all, it’s perfectly innocent to assume that you’ll be right back in, so what’s the harm and leaving the light on for a few extra seconds? However, in many cases, we get distracted by something and don’t come back into the room as soon as we think we will. Not to mention, even a few short seconds can add up over the course of the year. Get into the habit of turning off lights every time you leave a room, and you’ll notice the savings over time.