According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical American family spends over $1,400 per year on utility bills. With temperatures averaging in the 90s during summer, the bill will only go up due to increased air conditioning usage. If this is too much for your budget, you can consider the following tips to help you significantly lower your energy bill.
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Heating and cooling contribute to about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. household, making it the most significant expense on your utility bills. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can automatically turn the temperature up a few degrees when no one is home and lower it again just before everyone returns. This results in significant energy savings, as you’re not paying to cool or heat an empty house.
You can even control some programmable thermostats remotely from your smartphone. This will allow you to ensure that the temperature you’re coming home to meets your comfort needs.
2. Avoid Using the Oven
The oven is one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen, but it can also be one of the biggest sources of heat in the home. During the summer, when temperatures are already high, using the oven can cause the house to become uncomfortably warm.
Cooking with the oven can also add to the humidity in the air, making it feel even hotter. To avoid this, try to use the stovetop or microwave instead of the oven whenever possible. Not only will this help to keep your home cooler, but it can also help to reduce your energy bills.
3. Check Seals on Windows and Doors
Checking the seals on your windows and doors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce drafts and lower your energy bill. Even the smallest gaps can let in a significant amount of air, causing fluctuations in your home’s temperature and causing your HVAC system to work overtime.
In fact, according to the Department of Energy, sealing just one window can save you up to $20 per year on your energy bill. And while it may seem like a lot of work to check all the seals in your home, it doesn’t have to be. A quick walk-through with a caulk gun and some weather-stripping can make a big difference.
4. Prepaid Electricity Plan
A prepaid electricity plan allows customers to pay for their electricity in advance rather than receiving a bill at the end of the month. This type of plan can help to lower energy bills in several ways.
First, customers can make a better budget for their electricity usage, as they know exactly how much they spend each month. Second, prepaid plans often come with discounts and other incentives that can help lower the electricity cost. Finally, customers on a prepaid plan are more likely to be conscious of their electricity usage, as they are constantly aware of how much they have left to spend.
5. Install an Attic Fan
The attic is often the hottest part of the house, and by circulating air through the attic, the attic fan helps to keep the rest of the home cooler. This, in turn, reduces your air conditioner’s workload, leading to lower energy consumption and a lower energy bill.
The attic fan can help to improve indoor air quality by removing hot, stale air from the house. It can provide significant benefits during the summer months, in particular, by lowering your energy consumption and improving your indoor air quality.
6. Use Curtains and Blinds
According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of the heat that enters a home comes through the windows. This can cause the house to become excessively hot during the summer, leading to higher energy bills.
To help reduce this heat gain, use curtains and blinds wisely. Heavy drapes or closed shades during the day can help keep the heat out, while light-colored curtains that reflect sunlight can also be effective.
7. Fix Leaky Ductwork
Leaky ductwork is one of the leading causes of wasted energy in homes. By some estimates, as much as 30% of the air cooled by a central air conditioner is lost through leaks in the ductwork. This means that your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which leads to a spike in your bill. In addition, the cooled air lost through leaks can cause the temperature in your home to become uneven, making it uncomfortable to live in.
How do you fix leaky ducts? The best way is to hire a professional with the tools and experience to seal the ducts properly. Huft Home Services in Sacramento, CA will help you with this work or any other related AC repair, maintenance, and installation.
8. Install Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you only use energy when you need hot water. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bill, as you are not paying to heat a large tank of water all day.
Tankless water heaters often come with temperature controls, so you can adjust the temperature to meet your needs. This can help to reduce your energy consumption further, as you are not paying to heat the water any more than necessary.
9. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Many people don’t realize that their choice of appliances can significantly impact their energy bills, especially in the summer. Air conditioners are one of the biggest energy hogs in the home, so choose an energy-efficient model when shopping for a new unit.
Energy-efficient air conditioners use less electricity to cool down the same amount of space, which can translate into significant savings on your bill. Similarly, energy-efficient fans use less electricity to move the same amount of air, so they can also help lower your energy costs. When selecting new appliances, look for the ENERGY STARĀ® label to ensure that you choose products that will help you save money and energy.
10. Upgrade Your Electrical Wiring
Older wiring sometimes cannot handle the high demand placed on it during hot weather. This can cause the system to overheat, leading to higher energy consumption. By upgrading to modern wiring, you can be sure that your system will be able to handle the demands of summer without any problems.
Newer wiring is often better insulated, meaning it will lose less heat to the outside environment. This can further reduce your energy consumption and make your home more comfortable during the summer months.
Hire Pros to Lower Your Energy Bill
Huft Home Services is a leading provider of heating and cooling services in Sacramento, CA. Founded in 2004, we have a long history of serving the needs of our customers. We’re a member of the ACCA, and we have an entire team of NATE-certified technicians. We’re also BBB accredited.
In addition to our heating and cooling services, we also offer plumbing and electrical services. Our drain cleaning, sewer, and sump pump services are some of the most popular in the area. We also provide generator services, surge protection, and wiring services. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more!