| |
5 Tips To Lower Utility Bills
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, almost 50
percent of a typical home’s utility bill is attributed to heating and air
conditioning, 30 percent to appliances and lighting, and 20 percent to the water
heater and refrigerator. This equates to almost $1,500 in energy bills for a
typical household.
Following are ways to reduce your utility bills:
Tune it. A pre-season tune-up and filter is a
good investment for removing dirty air that clogs your HVAC system, improving
airflow and helping your system run efficiently. A tune-up also reduces the
chances of an HVAC breakdown in mid-winter and improves safety. Keeping your
system running at peak efficiency equates to less energy use and lower utility
bills.
Upgrade it. If your HVAC system is older than 10 years, it may be time
for an upgrade. Installing a new, high-efficiency system that uses non-ozone
depleting refrigerant can reduce your annual heating and cooling costs from by
30 to 50 percent. Installing a new system can pay for itself in what you save.
Replace it. When purchasing new appliances, electronics and lighting,
save money on your utility bill and help the environment by purchasing ENERGY
STAR qualified products. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR have the
highest rating a product can earn for energy efficiency. When replacing light
bulbs, be sure to use ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs which are known to use 75
percent less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
Insulate it. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of
energy waste in most homes. Check the insulation in your attic, crawlspaces, and
any hard-to-reach spaces that tend to be the biggest energy loss areas. Look for
gaps in the insulation and areas with inadequate coverage. Adding another layer
of insulation can make your home more comfortable by maintaining a uniform
temperature throughout your house and can make a noticeable difference on your
energy bill.
Seal it. Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of
your home during the winter will result in higher energy bills. Check for air
leaks near windows, doors, outlets and switches by holding a lit incense stick
next to them on a windy day. If the smoke stream moves horizontally, you have
located an air leak. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.
Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring
penetrates through walls, floors or ceilings. Install rubber gaskets behind
outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.
Take these steps to increase your comfort and reduce your utility bills.
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At
MyGuidesUSA.com (
http://www.myguidesusa.com ), you will find valuable tips and resources for
handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your
first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce,
searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to
your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.
Find home improvement tips and resources at
http://www.myguidesusa.com/homeimprovement
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basile
If you are looking for a professional heating company in Southern Oregon, please call us today at 541-608-0235 or complete our online service request form.
|
 |
|
