Everyone is looking to save money each month and one of the easiest places to do this is with some simple changes at home. Below, we have listed 9 easy ways to lower your energy bill at home, all of which, are quite simple!
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Add an irrigation meter
Water and sewage companies assume that the water that comes into your house equals the water that goes down the drain, and they charge you accordingly. Adding an irrigation meter will measure the amount of water you use to water your lawn or top off your swimming pool and will deduct this amount from the total water coming in.
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Paint your roof white
Simply by painting your roof white can save on cooling bills. Studies show white roofs require 40% less energy when cooling the house. The special elastomeric paint used for roofs also will help improve the lifespan of your roof.
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Set your water heater to 120 degrees
By having your water heater turned up to 140, not only are you wasting money trying to maintain that high temperature, but it is also costing you about $400 a year to heat fresh water to 140 degrees.
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Turn off electronics that aren’t in useDo a simple check of your house and turn off anything that you aren’t regularly using. Even better, unplug items. Simply by unplugging that toaster that you only use on Saturdays can save you a ton on electric bills.
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Change your furnace filters
A home air filter is a great place to save some money on your electric bill. Having a dirty air filter can make your HVAC unit less efficient, resulting in a higher electric bill. Usually, the filter should be changed about every 4-6 weeks. Plus, air filters come in so many varieties, including ones that filter specifically for what you need in your home. DiscountFilters offers discount air filters for odor, allergy, pet, or health.
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Do some dusting
Simply by dusting off the coils going into big appliances like your refrigerator, you can save on your electric bill. Having dust around the coils makes the appliances work harder, costing your more money.
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Buy a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to set a specific temperature for your home for the summer and winter months. Plus, you can have the temperature change when your family is sleeping or at work to save even more money. Most programmable thermostats end up saving about $180 a year on energy costs.
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Check for small leaks
Be sure to caulk and insulate around places in your house where air can escape. Check around windows and door frames, along the top of the cement or block in the basement, or anywhere a pipe enters into the home.
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Upgrade to energy efficient models
Not only will these models save you money on your energy bill each month, but many local and state governments offer credits for simply purchasing an energy efficient appliance. Most of the time you only have to show a receipt for proof of purchase.
These 9 checks to do around your home are all very easy fixes. In the long run, making these changes can end up saving you loads of money year after year on your energy bills.
