Those high air conditioning bills over the summer months have left us all a little drained. With slightly cooler weather on the horizon, you can find opportunities for utility savings before the cold winter months are upon us.
Home maintenance can go a long way in reducing energy use, and there are several things you can do – on your own or with the help of a professional – to reduce extraneous energy usage throughout your home.
- Prevent a leak. Regularly checking your faucets, toilets, showerheads, appliances and pipes for a leak can certainly save you money - and water! A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost up to $35 per year according to the Department of Energy.
- Check your chimney. Don’t forget to schedule a chimney sweeping before the first fire of the fall season. It’s also the perfect time to have your fireplace inspected to make sure its operating correctly. And once that fire is going, don’t forget to lower your thermostat to save energy, while staying cozy.
- Seal it up. According to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.
- Replace air filters. A dirty filter will reduce air flow causing your cooling and heating system to work harder, which in turn wastes a lot of energy (and money) over time. Remember to inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump system.
- Manage your appliance use. Big appliances use a lot of energy. If you’re purchasing a new appliance, consider an energy efficient version. But regardless of what type of appliance you own, it’s always a good idea to minimize usage. One of the easiest ways to conserve and save is to wash clothes in cold or warm water vs. hot water.
Sources: Energy.gov, EPA