High utility bills can be a pain, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The bills can go as high as $200 or more, putting a severe dent in your finances. If you find yourself with unexpectedly high energy bills, there are a few things you can do to lower your usage and get your costs under control.
Use Window Shades
One easy way to reduce energy usage is to take advantage of natural sunlight. During the day, open your window shades to let in the sun’s warmth. This will help heat your home, and you won’t have to use as much energy from your furnace or other heating sources. In the summer, keep your shades drawn to help keep your home cooler. This will reduce your air conditioner’s energy to keep your home comfortable.
While there are many options, Roman shades are considered one of the best due to their designs. You can get customized Roman shades for windows and install them to keep your home insulated to reduce your heater or AC usage during winter and summer, respectively. Roman shades are made of a heavy fabric that can block out the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler in the summer.
In the winter, custom Roman shades can help to insulate your windows, trapping heat inside your home and keeping you warmer. Custom Roman shades are also available in various colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect look for your home. And because they are custom-made, they will fit your windows perfectly, providing the best possible insulation. So if you’re looking for a way to lower energy usage, custom Roman shades are a great option.
Adjust Your Thermostat
The thermostat is one of the essential components of your home’s HVAC system, and it can significantly impact your energy usage. In the summer, raising the temperature even a few degrees can help to lower your cooling costs, and in the winter, lowering the temperature can reduce your heating bills. For every degree you raise or lower the thermostat, you can save up to 5% on your energy bill.
In addition to adjusting the temperature, you can save money using a programmable thermostat. Using a thermostat, you can set different temperatures based on the weather or the time of the day. You can save money on energy usage by making simple changes to your thermostat settings.
Use Ceiling Fans
As the summer months approach, temperatures rise, and energy bills climb. Many homeowners try to offset the cost of air conditioning by opening windows, but this can be ineffective and even dangerous. However, there is another way to stay cool and save money: using ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans are an efficient way to circulate cool air throughout a room and use far less energy than air conditioners. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan can lower your energy usage by up to 40%. So, use ceiling fans if you want to stay cool and save money this summer.
Unplug Electronics When You’re Not Using Them
Did you know that even when your electronic devices are turned off, they may still be using energy? This is because many devices are designed to go into a standby or sleep mode when not in use, which uses a small amount of power. While this may not seem like much, it can increase over time. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, standby power consumption accounts for 5 to 10% of a typical home’s electricity usage.
One of the easiest ways is to unplug electronic devices when you’re not using them. This includes devices such as computers, printers, TVs, and chargers. If you’re not going to be using a device for an extended period (e.g., overnight), consider unplugging it completely. You can also invest in power strips with switchable outlets, making it easy to quickly turn off multiple devices at once.
Reduce Your Water Heating Costs
One of the biggest draws on home energy is water heating, which can account for up to 25% of the energy used in your home each month. Water heating costs can be reduced by turning down the thermostat on your water heater when you’re not using it or by turning it off completely when you’re away for extended periods.
You can also save energy by insulating your water heater and pipes to reduce heat loss. Another way to reduce your water heating costs is to install a demand-type water heater, which only heats water when needed. Do this, and you can save money on your energy bill and help to protect the environment.
Follow these tips to lower your energy usage and save money on your monthly bills. While it may seem only a small amount at the start, you will see significant savings over time. And, as a bonus, you’ll also be helping to protect the environment by reducing your energy usage.
