Everyone is looking for ways to save money, but few realize that making your home as energy efficient as possible can put hundreds of dollars in their pocket each year. Following a few simple tips can make your home more energy efficient and help you save money on your monthly energy bill.
HVAC System
Get your air conditioning compressor maintained once a year. An HVAC technician can clean out your compressor’s coils from dirt and debris, perform freon checks and make sure that you HVAC unit is running at peak performance. When your HVAC unit is running and cooling properly, you will see a difference in your monthly bill and could save hundreds of dollars each year.
Windows and Doors
The next way to save on your home energy bill is to reseal and refit your doors and windows. Doors and windows are the points of entry from the outside of your home to the inside. You need to do everything possible to keep the outside air out of your home.
If the house is older, consider removing the trim around the doors and windows to re-shim between the faceplate and the wall studs. This will help refit the door or window into its opening tightly. You could then purchase a can of expanding foam to fill in the gaps around the opening. After putting back the trim, reseal or caulk around the trim to make everything airtight.
Newer homes may not have fitting problems with doors and windows, but may need to have the vinyl or rubber seals replaced. These seals wear out after several years of use, but it costs little to replace them. Simply remove the old seal around the opening and secure the new pieces in the same manner.
Programmable Thermostats
If you have an older home, purchase a programable thermostat to control the temperature in your home. You can set your thermostat to come on only during the times you are home. These digital thermostats are more accurate than the older mercury bulb thermostats.
Ceiling Fans
Circulated air helps reduce the need for the HVAC system to be on, and thus will help save energy. Install ceiling fans in every bedroom and main areas of the home to keep it comfortable and the HVAC system off.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a little more money in your pocket each month, which will add up to a larger amount on an annual basis. You could also find that they money you save helps pay your energy bill for a few months of the year.
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