Energy Efficiency Changes Save $

Every month it seems our electric bills reach higher levels. Although we feel that as homeowners we’re doing things right, the cost of energy has increased, which leaves us little room to save money. As a result, we’re currently at a point where electricity has become a primary living cost, without any real short-term relief.

Surprisingly, with just a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you can save around $100 on the cost of your electricity. And, along with saving money, you will develop good green habits.

First of all: Understand your energy usage

The savings depends on where you are living and the current climatic conditions. So, to understand your home electric usage you need information beyond what you find on your electric or gas bill.

For the potential savings, we suggest going for a professional home energy audit. That way, you can get a report on the areas and appliances in your house that are losing energy and how their consumption changes throughout the day. Making smart choices vary with each house so to save the most, consider an audit.

Setting energy priorities

By having concrete information about your home energy consumption, you can make intelligent savings decisions. Once you set your upgrade priorities (depending on which area and devices need it) you can do the following:

• Unplug your appliances when they’re on standby by using a power strip.
• Buy appliances with a good energy rating.
• Insulate your ceilings and walls.
• Seal your fireplace.
• Close all external windows and doors when using the air conditioning.
• Install ceiling fans.
• Switch to green energy.
• Replace your windows.
• Seal air leaks.
• Plant shade trees.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Turn off the lights when they are not in use.
• Replace your fluorescent lights with efficient LED bulbs.
• Reduce air conditioning usage when the climate is pleasant.
• Turn the heater off when not in use.
• Fix leaky water faucets.

Make energy efficient decisions

Go ahead and hire a professional to help find the most cost-effective improvements! Making recommended upgrades could save you between 5% and 30% on your electric bill (an average of $100 – $627 per year depending on the home, climate, products and use).

These actions and the clever use of home design elements will save you money that you can use for the things you want. You can also plan ahead if you know you will have significant consumption. Or, you can choose an annual budget plan or enroll in a prepaid plan to consume the energy you need. Other than that, check to see if you’re eligible for federal tax credits for renewable energy. Some expire later this year so plan to review your updates now. Happy savings!