If you’ve noticed your power bill getting more expensive over the years, know you’re not the only one. It could be due to inflation, but a common cause that also attributes to a rising power bill is an inefficient home.
Many older homes aren’t equipped with energy-efficient products, and because of this, their homeowners suffer. If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about how energy efficient your home is, it’s time to consider upgrading your home. Energy-efficient homes can save you a ton of money throughout the year, and over time, the cost to upgrade will pay for itself.
Get an Energy-Efficient Water Heater
We all love to take a hot shower in the morning, but the price of hot water can add up between showers, laundry, and dishes. The first place to start making your home energy efficient is replacing the water heater with an energy-efficient one. Up to 15% of your power bill can be attributed to your use of hot water, so getting an energy-efficient model can help you save big.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
You may think holding on to your faithful washer and dryer for the last ten years is one way to be frugal, but it’s quite the contrary. In the past ten years, home appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and even toasters have made great technological strides to become more energy efficient. An energy-efficient washer and dryer can save you around $50 to $150 a year!
Make Your Home a Smart Home
Converting your home into a smart home might seem like a daunting task, but if you’re an avid DIYer, you’ll be able to do it with many kits out on the market in just a weekend. Smart homes can save you a lot of money because you can set your thermostat and turn out your lights, even when you’re not home. Many smart home systems work through a smartphone, which will allow you to adjust what’s happening in your home from anywhere. This is particularly useful if you go on vacation, and you think you forgot to turn out a light or two.
Clean Out Your HVAC System
Many HVAC systems get clogged with dust and lint over time. This is a regular occurrence even if you change your air filters regularly, but clogged vents can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. When your HVAC system works harder, more energy is required to keep you cool or warm. It would help if you had your HVAC cleaned every few years. Cleaning them every so often will also help ensure the longevity of the whole system and protect from mold and fungal growth in your home.
Creating an energy-efficient home can be expensive; however, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term costs. Implementing these methods will help you lower the cost of your power bill, and in some cases, you’ll be able to make the money you spent making upgrades back in only a few years
