6 Homeowner Tips for Reducing Energy Bills

Posted On Friday, 29 January 2021 22:00

Everybody wants to save money, especially when it comes to their homes. Water, electricity, and heating and cooling are just a few of the things that can cause a homeowner's utilities to rise. Sometimes, the high costs aren't all your fault–problems within the house can cause costs to go up. Fortunately, however, these problems are easy to fix. Here are six ways to reduce your energy bills. 

1. Fix Drafty Windows

No matter how good a window is, it will begin to have issues without the proper maintenance as it ages. Glazing putty can crumble, cracks will form, caulking can degrade, and some windows may even shrink. These issues can lead to drafty windows that let cold air into the home, making your heater work harder, therefore raising your energy bill.

Before trying to replace anything, try to fix drafty windows. Consider using interior storm windows or inserts, which fit directly into the existing window frame. Another way to fix these windows is to repair or replace the weatherstripping. Reglazing the window panes is also a cost-effective way to repair the window and add extra insulation.

2. Watch Your Thermostat 

The thermostat is what heats and cools your home–it is also a possible reason your bill may be high. One way to ensure this isn't the cause of your high energy bills is to set your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees when you aren't at home. A programmable thermostat can do this automatically and help lower your costs by 10 to 12 percent. Smart thermostats are another option. They allow you to set different temperatures, control the thermostat on your phone, and even track your energy usage. 

3. Add Exterior Shutters to Your Windows

You may be surprised to know that shutters serve more purposes than looking good and protecting your home from storms. They are also an excellent way to help reduce your energy bills if they are sized correctly. 

When closed in summer, louvered custom exterior shutters can help block out the sun's heat without entirely eliminating the sunlight or breeze. Open, the sun's heat will warm the house, which is especially beneficial in the wintertime, ensuring the heater doesn't work so hard. Timberlane's custom shutters are a great option, with countless sizes, styles, and colors available. 

4. Purchase a Low-Flow Your Showerhead

Water consumption is a big issue in most American households, and the bulk of it starts in the bathroom. The standard showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM). That means a seven-minute shower could use about 17.5 gallons of water–making your water bill skyrocket. 

By installing a low-flow, WaterSense showerhead, you can drastically cut down on water consumption and costs. These showerheads use 2 gallons or less of water per minute, which can help cut usage down significantly. WaterSense is a program started by the EPA to help create shower heads that are more energy-efficient and use less water. 

5. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances

When you are ready to replace old appliances, make sure to consider only those with the Energy Star label. Everything from clothes washers to water heaters can earn an Energy Star rating. The biggest benefit to these appliances is that they help save you money by requiring less energy. They need less electricity to work, and any appliances that use water require less to work. Energy Star appliances also help to prevent greenhouse gas emissions with their energy-efficiency. 

Overall, these appliances can save you money and increase your family's quality of life, making them a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, the cost of Energy Star appliances is on par with other appliances, so you won't find yourself spending too much more on these new appliances. 

6. Use LED Lighting

LED lighting has replaced other types of lighting, like fluorescent and halogen bulbs in many places. The Department of Energy advocates for this type of lighting for a wide range of reasons. The first and foremost reason is energy-efficiency; these bulbs are said to use up to 90 percent less power than incandescent bulbs. Being so efficient means you'll spend less on your electricity bill, and the fact that they last up to 60,000 hours means you'll have to replace them less frequently. LED bulbs are also a safer option, generating almost no warmth, leaving them cool to the touch, which minimizes the risk of burns and potential fires.

Keep Your Energy Costs Low

Being a homeowner comes with a long set of responsibilities, the biggest of which is paying your bills. Utilities can vary month-to-month and, at times, can come in shocking amounts. Cutting down on electricity and water usage are some ways to help lower the costs, but sometimes you need to do something more. These tips will help ensure you save money and make your home more energy-efficient, so you'll never have to worry again.  

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