Lowering Heating and Air Conditioning Bills

​Lower Your Energy Costs

Are you overpaying for your heating and electricity?

Heating costs are rising in every part of the country, and the trend is projected to continue due to a number of causes. There is, however, some good news. Weatherization and energy conservation can help to reduce the financial burden of growing energy expenses.

In terms of energy use, your home's plumbing, insulation, and heating systems may all be inefficient. The air filtering from the basement caused by floor joists and the structures supporting the floor is the biggest problematic in many older homes, rather than the cold air coming in via the windows. Heating and cooling account for 50 percent to 70 percent of total energy use in the average American home when it comes to heating and cooling. It's possible that your home was built before 1980 and lacks appropriate insulation. While the majority of homeowners are concerned with attic insulation, the basement ceiling should not be overlooked. Fiberglass is a poor insulator because it allows air to pass through it directly. Spray foam or cellulose insulation materials should be utilized for optimal insulation.

All air-leakage doors and windows should be weather-stripped and caulked. Seal any pipe, ducting, or electrical wire that penetrates via outside walls to keep hot air from escaping. Keep the flue damper closed as tightly as possible when the fireplace is not in use. If you want to replace the windows in your home, consider installing insulating windows. Ensure that they are as snug as possible. Heavy-duty clear plastic sheet can be used to line the inside of your windows, which should be properly sealed to prevent water from leaking in.

Another area where homeowners should focus their efforts in order to reduce their energy expenses is energy conservation. It is advised that an old thermostat be replaced with a new electronic control thermostat with digital readouts. Electronically controlled thermostats are more precise than dial-operated thermostats. A programmable thermostat is even better, as it allows you to configure different temperatures at different times of the day and night. Replacement of air filters should be done on a regular basis. You should bleed your hot water radiator once or twice throughout the winter season if you have one in your home. If you're not sure how to accomplish it, look it up on the Internet or ask for help from a professional.

Look for the Energy Star label on new appliance packaging when making a purchase. Appliances that have earned the Energy Star label have been proven to be energy efficient. The bright yellow and black Energy Guide label may currently be found on the majority of appliances. These labels will tell you how much energy the appliance uses on average. When shopping for an appliance, don't forget to include in the price as additional factor to consider before making a final decision.