Electricity is an essential utility for any family. It powers the gadgets that every family has, and it also brings convenience to every home. However, electricity bills can be quite expensive, especially nowadays.
The average expenditure on electricity bills in the U.S. is around $115 monthly. For one year, that’s equal to about $1,380 annually. If your family is anything like the average American family, you spend a lot on powering your home each year. However, it can also get more expensive in the coming years.
Gas and oil prices have skyrocketed this year to $3 to $4 per gallon. This means that if you’re using natural gas or oil to heat your home, those commodities’ prices have also increased. In addition, the cost of living has risen by about 2.4 percent in the last year, which means everything costs more.
One way to save money is by following the tips below to decrease energy bills.
Educate yourself
Conserving electricity doesn’t have to be complicated. A little research goes a long way in helping you understand how your home uses energy and what changes you can make to reduce your consumption. You can find plenty of resources online or even talk to your local utility company about efficiency programs in your area.
Get an energy audit
An energy audit is a great way to pinpoint exactly where your home is losing energy and money. A professional will come to your house and thoroughly analyze your energy usage, after which they’ll provide you with a report detailing their findings and recommendations. Many utility companies offer free or discounted audits for their customers.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Your appliances are some of the biggest energy hogs in your home. They’re probably not as efficient as newer models if they’re more than a few years old. Here are some ways you can replace your appliances efficiently.
LED Bulbs
One of the easiest ways to save on electricity at home is to upgrade your light bulbs to more energy-efficient options, such as LED or CFL bulbs. These bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money in the long run.
Invest in Commercial Appliances
It might be worth investing in commercial appliances if you have a huge family. These are designed to be more energy-efficient and faster in doing housework, so they can help you save a lot on your electricity bills. However, you’re also going to need specialized repair services for it. So make sure to find a commercial appliance repair service before you invest in commercial appliances. This kind of repair service can work on any commercial appliance to ensure that it’s working 24/7.
Weatherproof Your Home
Another easy way to conserve electricity is to ensure that your home is well-insulated and free of drafts. This will help keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer, which will take some strain off your heating and cooling system and help lower your energy bills. Here are some simple ways you can weatherproof your home:
Seal Gaps
One of the main reasons you’re losing cooling or heating is gaps. These often occur around doors and windows. You can quickly solve this problem by using caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps and prevent drafts.
Install Insulation
If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, it will be tough to keep the temperature consistent, no matter how well you weatherproof it. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors to ensure it’s adequate. You may need to add more insulation if it isn’t. Some of the best materials for the insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and foam.
Change Your HVAC Filter
One of the best ways to save on electricity at home is to change your HVAC filter regularly. A dirty filter will make your system work harder, which uses more energy and drives up your bills. Most filters should be changed every three months or so.
Invest in Renewable Energy
If you want to make a difference in how much electricity you use, consider investing in renewable energy sources for your home, such as solar panels or a small wind turbine. These technologies are becoming more affordable and efficient every year, and they’ll help you slash your electric bills while doing something good for the environment.
By following these five tips, you can make simple changes that will help you save on electricity at home without making significant sacrifices. And the best part is that these changes will pay for themselves in no time with the money you’ll save on your electric bills!
