With a new year, comes a new set of goals. Most resolutions revolve around diet, exercise, and money. If you’re one of those people looking to put a few extra dollars in your pocket, reducing your utility bill could be the best way to accomplish that goal. Homeowners can cut their utility bills significantly with just a few simple steps.
CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT
Your utility company likely offers a free home energy audit to customers, and it is well worth taking advantage of. If your utility provider doesn’t offer this service, you can conduct your own energy audit instead. It will clue you into areas where you could trim your energy use.
CONSIDER HAVING YOUR HVAC SYSTEM CLEANED
Increase the efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by having it inspected and cleaned once a year. As your home heating / AC system collects dust, dander, and other contaminants, it is forced to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. The harder the system works, the higher your utility bills will be each month.
CHECK YOUR HOT WATER HEATER’S TEMP
Nearly 15% of your home’s electricity usage goes to heating water. By setting your hot water heater to 130 to 140 degrees, you could reduce the amount of energy required for heating. To take it to the next level, consider installing an insulation jacket, and insulate the first six feet of piping that comes off of your heater.
GET A SMART THERMOSTAT
Just like the old saying, “Work smarter, not harder” – the same goes for your home heating system. Smart thermostats are a great way to improve efficiency. Setting up programable routines and heating zones ensures that you’re not heating an area unnecessarily.
LET FOOD COOL BEFORE REFRIDGERATING
This may sound silly, but letting leftovers cool down before storing in the fridge really does impact your energy usage. Placing hot foods in your fridge will increase the interior temperature and cause your refrigerator to work harder.
24 Restore is the preferred restoration services partner of commercial & residential property owners across New England. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation, or just simply need help implementing a sound Disaster Response Plan, we’re available to help. Contact 24 anytime, day or night for assistance.