4 Tips To Improve Your Home And Save On Your Energy Bill
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your home runningefficiently, not only to save money but also to help theenvironment thrive. October 2nd is EnergyEfficiency Day, a perfect time to think about making somekey upgrades that will improve the efficiency of your home. Ifyou’re looking to sell your house and increase the pool ofpotential buyers in your market, the upgrades below are truly amust.
According to Wallet Hub,
“In the U.S., energy costs eat between 5 and 22percent of families’ total after-tax income.”
What Should You Spend On Utilities?
Money Management says,
“If you’re working with a budget, and trust me,you should be, your utility costs should be no more than 8-10percent of your monthly income.”
How Can You Make Your Home MoreEfficient?
Energy Efficiency Day provides some handy tipsthat can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. Hereare a few simple ones to consider, and how to make them happen:
1. Make the Switch to LED
LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technologycan make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer andconsume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescentbulbs.
Tip: By switching five ofyour home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR®certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costsannually.
2. Seal Those Leaks
On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of ahome’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks canbe equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.
Tip: Take simple steps likecaulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessedlighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to20% on heating costs.
3. Heat and Cool Efficiently
Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home.Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather scheduleyour home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep andincrease when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather,schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are awayor asleep, and lower it at other times.
Tip: Follow the U.S.Department of Energy's recommended temperatures and beenergy-efficient all year.
4. Maintain Your HVAC System
Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly.A dirty furnace filter will slow down airflow, making the systemwork harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you moremoney.
Tip: Consider getting awinter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gasmileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating andcooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you moneyand making your home more comfortable.
The Right Upgrades Are Important When It Comes Time ToSell
By making a few key upgrades to your home, you’ll save onyour utility bills and improve the energyefficiency of your home. When you’re ready to sell yourhouse, these key features will make it even more attractive topotential buyers. Let’s get together to discuss what buyersare looking for when it comes to energy efficiency options in ourarea.