Everything is so expensive, and when we find great tips on cost-cutting utility bills, we share them! Today we will share our five best tips to increase energy efficiency and decrease utility bills because it is possible to make this happen!
You won’t jump through hoops to improve home energy efficiency while working to cut utility bills, but you will find utility savings you might not have had before!
Sometimes the most minor energy-efficient changes you make in your home can have the biggest impact on your utility savings, and if you know what to change, that’s the first step!
As a side bonus of saving money on your energy bills, you’ll also find that you are reducing your home’s carbon footprint!
Now let’s make your home as energy efficient as possible!
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How To Increase Energy Efficiency and Decrease Utility Bills
If you have shopped around any of the large home improvement stores or visited home shows in your area, the smartest thing you can do is work to control your heating and cooling and then move from there for other simple energy-efficient options to use.
#1 Install Smart Thermostats
If your home has an old-fashioned thermostat that requires manual adjustment, it’s time to upgrade.
A smart thermostat can be set up with a schedule to automatically turn off when no one is home and turn back on when the family returns.
This way, you won’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house all day.
Not only will this help reduce your overall energy use, but it will also save you money in the long run by reducing your utility bills.
#2 Invest In Window Film For Heat Rejection
During the summer months, many homes become uncomfortable due to excess heat buildup thanks to direct sunlight streaming through windows.
Window film reflects some of the sun’s rays away from windows while still allowing in natural light.
You don’t have to sacrifice visibility or comfort to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
Installing the best home window film for heat rejection is an easy way to reject this heat before it ever reaches inside the house, where air conditioners have to work overtime to keep things cool.
Of course, you can also invest in new windows, and while you might think that windows are too big of an investment when you start adding up how much your current windows are costing you in heat and cooling loss, you might change your mind!
#3 Utilize Natural Light Whenever Possible
While opening your blinds and saying HELLO to the world may seem like such an in-your-face idea, use it! Many people don’t use what they have that is FREE… the outside lighting from the sun!
Instead of turning on lights during daytime hours whenever possible, open up curtains and blinds so that natural light can fill a room instead of relying on electricity from lamps and overhead fixtures whenever you need indoor illumination.
For added control over how much light comes in through windows, consider investing in adjustable shades or shutters that allow you to adjust natural light levels throughout the day as needed.
#4 Unplug Appliances When Not In Use
Leaving appliances plugged into outlets all day can drain power unnecessarily; even if turned off, they still consume electricity just by plugging in.
This power consumption may be small, but it significantly increases over time!
To avoid wasting valuable energy like this, unplug any appliances that aren’t regularly used.
Install a switch that eliminates standby power, and then you can leave your plugs plugged in!
- microwaves
- electric tea kettles
- TV’s
- Toasters, etc.
- Coffee pots
It’s simple yet effective!
#5 Upgrade Your Lighting Fixtures
If you have old incandescent bulbs lighting up rooms around the house, then now might be a good time to upgrade.
LED bulbs are far more efficient than traditional ones since they produce significantly less heat while consuming less electricity overall, which means lower bills all around!
LEDs last longer than incandescents, too, so replacing them now could save you money on replacements down the road, too—it’s a win-win situation!
You can choose what color to have your home warmed with!
- Daylight
- Cool light
- Yellow-white
- Blue-Light
- Bright Blue
Now You Know How To Increase Energy Efficiency and Decrease Utility Bills
Improving your home’s energy efficiency is easy if you know what steps to take.
Whether you decide to install smart thermostats, invest in window film for heat rejection, utilize natural light whenever possible, or install a switch to conserve power on plugged-in items, you will save money immediately!
You’ve become energy-efficient, cut utility bills. You have begun to improve home energy efficiency, which will lead to utility savings and ensure that future generations will benefit from a cleaner planet tomorrow. ~ Dana XO
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