Want To Save Money On Your Energy Bills? 7 Tips To Lower Your Costs
There has been a growing interest in energy conservation. This interest has been sparked in part by a desire to preserve the limited resources on the planet. However, the vast majority of people are interested in conserving energy because they want to lower the high cost of their energy bill. The following are seven things that homeowners can do to reduce their energy cost and save money on your energy bills.
Paint Your Roof White
There was a study done in the late 90’s by the Lance Berkeley National Library Heat Island Group. According to the study, homes in sunny climates that have white roofs only use 60 percent of the energy for air-conditioning that those with black roofs do. For many homeowners, a 40 percent reduction in energy use would equate to hundreds of dollars in savings annually.
Set Water Heaters to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit
According to estimates provided by the EPA, water heaters that are set to a temperature of more than 140 degrees waste between $35 and $60 every year to keep the water standing in the tank at that temperature. An additional $400 is wasted by bringing fresh water that comes into the home’s water system up to 140 degrees. Keep the water heater set to 120 degrees to save.
Adjust Thermostat to between 76 and 78 Degrees during the Summer
On average, homeowners set the thermostat in their home to around 72 degrees during the summer months. They maintain this temperature even when they are not at home. By simply increasing the temperature of the thermostat between four degrees and six degrees when they are not home, they can effectively reduce the cooling load in their home and lower energy costs. Using a ceiling fan is a great way to circulate cold air in the home. This will make the home feel just as cool as if the thermostat was set to at a lower temperature.
Open the Shades in the Morning and Close Them at Night
During the winter, depending on which way a home faces, opening the shades in the morning will allow sunlight to heat up a room. However, closing the shades at nighttime will prevent that same heat from escaping the room through the glass in the windows. Additionally, closing the shades at night will prevent the sunlight from coming in and waking you up in the morning.
Install Better Window Treatments
A good portion of a home’s heat or cold air is lost through the windows. For this reason, finding appropriate window coverings is essential for having an energy efficient home. Options for window treatments would include things like plantation shutters. Plantation shutters in Las Vegas provide solar protection. When closed, they prevent heat transfer. This means that warm air is kept in the home during the winter, and cold air is kept in the home during the summer, thereby minimizing energy use.
Purchase Solar Panels
Solar panels will reduce energy costs in two ways. First, they will reduce expenses by minimizing the amount of electricity a home will require from the local utility company, and so naturally this will mean a lower electricity bill. They will also save you money because in some states installing solar paneling is tax-deductible, and some utility companies will buy excess energy from homeowners.
Add Attic Installation
The US Department of Energy states that the attic is where the majority of the home’s heat escapes. This happens because heat rises. If attics do not have sufficient insulation, air will flow out. Fiberglass insulation is inexpensive. Homeowners can install them even if they have no home-improvement skills, or they can hire a professional to do the installation for them.
People are concerned about energy conservation for good reason. It minimizes fossil fuel use, protects the environment, and helps to reduce out-of-pocket energy expenses. By following the above-mentioned seven steps, homeowners are guaranteed to see a reduction in their yearly energy bills.
Category: Save Energy, Saving Money
