If you are like most homeowners nowadays, you are striving to find ways and means to keep your utility bills low. Keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during another Franklin County winter costs a small fortune. Fortunately for you, however, all that’s necessary to lower your bills is to be vigilant and mindful.
We at Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air compiled the following list of simple tips to help you lower your gas and electric bills:
Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Utility Bill Low
1. Add Insulation
During winter, the harsh cold of the frigid temperatures outside can endanger the warmth within homes. One of the most common reasons for this comes from inadequate insulation. Insulation protects your home by helping it retain its heat. It keeps the warm air inside during the winter and the cool air inside during the summer. Because of this, it is essential to check the insulation in your residence. You’ll want to check everything from your walls and pipes to your attic and crawl spaces. Proper insulation will decrease the need for energy and, thus, your utility bills.
2. Dress According to the Weather
This is probably the cheapest and most efficient way to stay comfortable indoors all year round. Whatever the temperature, dress heavy or light according to the season. Instead of adjusting the thermostat, wear shorts and t-shirts during the summer. During the winter, throw on a sweater or some thermals. This can help you feel comfortable without needlessly running up your bills.
3. Lower Your Water Heater’s Temperature
One of the significant costs affecting your utility bills is the cost of keeping your water warm. Part of this expense comes from the heater keeping a reserve of warm water in its tank. Lowering the temperature by a few degrees can skim off some money from your utility bill. The recommended temperature for heaters should not be more than 120 degrees. If you and your family ever leave home for vacation or a trip, you can also turn the heat off until you come back home.
4. Replace Your Air Filter
As we’ve discussed before, it is essential for a variety of reasons to change your home’s air filter frequently. Keep it in mind as you go about maintaining your home. The idea of an air filter is to intercept debris like pollen, dust, animal fur, and lint from the clean air circulating through your home’s heating and cooling system. This not only helps to maintain the HVAC in ideal working order, but it also keeps it from having to expend excessive energy. When your filter is old, it forces your blower to work harder than it should by essentially smothering your system and leading to higher energy costs.
5. Get an Energy-Efficient Programmable Thermostat
Did you know you can reduce the amount of energy you expend and lower your electric bill by combating the need to turn up the heat or turn down the thermostat? If this is challenging for you or your family, you should consider having a programmable thermostat installed. With one installed, you can program the temperature in accordance with the time of day and leave it alone. The thermostat will make the changes on its own, and this will make your home more energy-efficient, which will lower your bill. Make sure to set the thermostat to adjust it to more efficient times when no one is home, or you are asleep. This will also save you money.
6. Wash Your Clothing in Cold Water
The whole process of washing clothing uses up a significant amount of energy. The best method for saving on energy costs when doing so is as simple as changing the temperature of the water when you wash your garments. Providing warm water to your washer makes the water heater work hard and expend a substantial amount of electricity. To put it simply, switching to cold water will save you money.
7. Find Warm Air Leaks
Did you know you can use a candle to find air leaks in your home? It’s simple. Turn off the air and all your fans. Light a candle and take it around the house, especially around doors and windows. Where the candle flickers, you likely have an air leak. These air leaks, over time, have a profound impact on your heating and cooling bills. Be sure to use caulking and weatherstripping and replace broken seals. Doing so will not only save you money but will improve the overall comfort in your home.
8. Check Appliances
Appliances that aren’t correctly functioning are a drain on energy bills. Be sure to check all of them regularly to make sure they’re not only working correctly but also that they are clean. You should do this on a regular schedule. For bigger appliances, an annual check-up is sufficient. If you prefer to replace your devices, be sure to check the energy efficiency of the replacement.
9. Look into Prepaid Electric Bill Plans
One option not often considered is the feasibility of changing from a long-term contract to a prepaid plan with your electric company. With a prepaid plan, it gives you the ability to pay only for the electricity you use. This is also a better way to track the causes of spikes in energy usage.
10. Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Last but not least, getting an annual furnace tune-up saves you money in the short term and in the long run. The primary benefits include improved efficiency, which results in optimal heating performance. This is in addition to reducing the risk of system failure, a far more costly disaster no one wants to face in the winter. Not only that, it ensures appropriate airflow, reduces the need for repairs, and keeps you and your family safe during the cold months of winter. It can also save time, and it maintains your manufacturer’s warranty. The list goes on.
To schedule a tune-up today, call Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air at 614-490-7520. Or you can schedule an appointment now at www.hilliarddublinheatingandair.com/schedule-now/.
