Every homeowner dreams of paying less for electricity bills while maintaining the same level of comfort at home. Experts from PRVL Energy share some tips for you to achieve this dream.
Buy energy-efficient appliances
Your electronic appliances take up about 30% of your home’s energy consumption. These include your refrigerator, TV, air conditioner, and heater.
So, replace these appliances with energy-efficient ones. They may be more expensive initially but your savings will come later on. These appliances use less energy to produce the same results as regular appliances. So, you will get the same amount of comfort with lower monthly bills.
Some newer appliances you might want to consider are:
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LED lightbulbs instead of using compact fluorescent (CFL) lightbulbs;
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energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and televisions;
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appliances with smart thermostats that you can program according to specific schedules;
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water heaters that are energy-efficient or use heater wraps
Request an energy audit
Contact a local utility company that conducts energy audits. A professional auditor can help find specific spots that use up a lot of energy. After the audit, you can make changes that will improve your energy consumption and save money.
Insulate your home
Insulating your roofs, especially the attic, can reduce the burden on your house’s air conditioner during summer and your heater during winter. Insulation helps keep your house cool during hot days. It can trap heat during cold months.
Close shades, blinds, or drapes on windows during hot weather. This will keep your AC from working hard during such days. Meanwhile, keep them open during cold weather so that the sun can help keep the interior warm.
Seal your windows
Windows are the best avenues for hot or cold air to enter or leave your house. This type of airflow can burden your appliances.
Cold air from an air conditioner or hot air from a heater could leave the house. If you don’t feel your appliance working, your natural response is to turn up the air conditioner or the heater. This, in turn, can lead to high energy bills.
So, use weather-stripping and sealants to prevent unwanted airflow. This will make sure that you keep the air from your appliance inside and prevent outside air from entering. While you’re sealing your windows, seal other gaps, cracks, or leaks that you might find.
Use landscaping efficiently
Use your house’s surroundings to your advantage. Plant trees and shrubs strategically. These can provide shade during hot weather and insulation against harsh winds during cold weather.
Use alternative sources of energy
There are many alternative sources of electricity. Among the most efficient and available are solar panels.
Solar panels can easily be attached to roofs. They can reduce energy bills. They can even act as additional insulation when placed on the part of your roof that receives the most amount of sunlight.
The expert team further advises that you contact professionals to check your house’s capability to use solar energy. If your house can use this option, then you can have solar panels installed and enjoy the benefits.