Easy Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs

Energy prices for electricity, heating and hot water are some of the biggest expenses that homeowners face. Not only do many people want to reduce their expenditures on these fronts, but they also want to reduce energy usage for the environment’s sake. There are some very easy ways to cut your home energy costs without affecting your day to day living at all.

Get Rid of Leaks

The number one reason home energy costs are so high is waste. You can reduce waste by getting rid of places where heating and air conditioning can leak out of your house. You should be sure that there is adequate insulation on all outside walls of your house. There should also be thick insulation in your top ceiling or even in your attic roof area. It is more cost effective to have insulation in the ceiling and not worry about heating and cooling the attic space.
Around windows and doors is another place where you should guard against leaks. Purchasing and installing new weather stripping is an excellent way to seal up these openings and reduce energy waste.

Energy Saver Appliances and Lights

These days, there are many energy efficient appliances that you can purchase. Energy-Star qualified appliances are reported to reduce your energy usage by up to twenty percent. When shopping for new appliances, you should check the label for energy usage guidelines and statistics. You can do this with most large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, hot water heaters, and furnaces.

Another way to cut home energy bills is by installing florescent light bulbs or those rated for energy saving, or long lasting qualities. Florescent light bulbs might cost more initially, but they use much less energy, making them more cost-effective to operate.

Cut Energy Usage

Perhaps the most obvious way to cut home energy bills is by using less energy in your everyday life. There are many ways you can do this that will not disrupt your usual living situation.

1. Turn the heat down 2 or 3 degrees
2. Turn the air conditioning up 2 or 3 degrees
3. Block hot sun from windows in the summer
4. Let sun shine in the winter
5. Turn lights and gadgets off when not in use
6. Only run washers and dryers when full
7. Use space wisely in the fridge and freezer

Cutting home energy costs can be done in various ways. It is definitely worth the time and energy it takes to make these changes in your home. Not only will you be saving money every month, but you will be helping the environment as well. Be a reasonable homeowner and cut home energy costs and usage now.