The United States Department of Energy reports that the average cost of one family’s energy bill is $2,200 per year, 42 percent of which is used for space heating. If you want to lower your energy bill, you should consider the following four techniques.
1. Install proper insulation.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 30 to 35 percent of heat is lost through windows and walls. To prevent this, you have to make sure that your house is adequately insulated. Installing double-glazed windows prevents heat from escaping. For the walls, you can look into spray foam insulation. A Kansas City-based insulation company said that spray foams could expand up to 100 times its original size to fill every crack in your home.
2. Wear warm clothing.
Instead of turning your thermostat high, wear comfortable, warm clothing instead. The California Energy Commission said you could reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10 percent or $234.41 every year for dropping your thermostat temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. It’s also good practice to only heat a room if you’re using it.
3. Upgrade your appliances.
Energy Star-qualified appliances meet energy efficiency standards. If your appliances are old and don’t have an Energy Star seal, you should consider replacing them. For example, refrigerators that are Energy Star-approved use 15 percent less energy than their counterparts without the seal.
4. Keep your furnace clean.
A clean furnace is more efficient and uses less energy. Regular furnace maintenance can save up to 30 percent of energy costs. You can change and clean your furnace filters to ensure proper heating and airflow to keep you warm. Regularly maintaining your furnace will also help you detect gas leaks.
Practicing the techniques above can make a big impact on your energy bills, especially if you do them all. You also become an energy-efficient individual and help in creating a better environment.
