3 Easy Steps for Lowering Your Monthly Energy Bills
Louisville, KY can get pretty chilly this time of year, with temperatures dipping below freezing most nights, and some days. Damp weather especially can leave you cold right down to the bone, and feeling like you may never get warm.
Before you jack up your heat and send your energy bill soaring take a look at these three easy steps to lowering your energy bill this month, and all the months that follow.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Technology is a wonderful thing, making our lives a little easier in an abundance of ways. Programmable thermostats are one of those ‘set it and forget it’ things that we all need in our home.
Adjusting the thermostat throughout the day and night can save you quite a bit on your energy bill. Turning the temperature down 10 degrees throughout the day, and 5 degrees at night can shave off up to 20% of your total energy costs.
The reason programmable thermostats are so wonderful is that you can program it to adjust the temperature in your home for times you are sleeping, or not there. It won’t ever forget, as that’s its sole purpose. It is especially helpful in times when you do not need to be blasting your heating system.
Seal Air Leaks in Your Home’s Duct System
Sealing air leaks is another cost-effective way to save on your energy bill. Air ducts are a significant part of your home, and you must make sure they are working for you and not against you.
Check your visible ducts for leaks and holes, usually around sections that should be joined. If you spot spaces or holes in the connection ducts, they can be sealed with tape. The best tape to use is duct mastic, butyl tape or foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes.
Be sure to check vent connections near floors, walls, and ceilings, as these are common places to find disconnected ductwork and leaks. You can save up to 30% on your energy costs by sealing air ducts properly.
Using Curtains and Drapes Helps Control the Temperature in Your Home
Most of us buy curtains and drapes for decorative purposes. But what we don’t realize is that we can use drapes and curtains to help control the temperature in our homes, thus saving a bundle on our energy bills.
When your windows are poorly insulated, it can cause inconvenient temperature drops in your home. Having drapes or curtains as window coverings will help trap heat in during the winter months, and keep heat out during the summer season.
Be sure to have two drapes rather than one; it helps to seal the air better. Make sure they fall all the way to the floor or window sill. Keep them closed at night time, and during the day at the windows, the sun doesn’t reach.
Using curtains or drapes in your home can cut down on energy costs by up to 33%, so if you don’t have them yet, it may be time to switch. So take a load off your mind this year, and get ready to save some much-needed coin. Follow these three easy steps and lower your energy costs and your stress levels.
