Light Bulb

With energy prices as high as they are right now, it’s more or less a necessity to make your home as energy efficient as possible. While most people will tell you to be more conservative with your heating and cooling system, there are a few more creative ways to help lower your electrical bill in the coming months. 

By simply changing your light bulbs, sealing drafty areas, and closing your drapes and blinds, you can cut back on electrical costs and keep your home cooler during the summer heat. Are you having trouble keeping up with monthly expenses for your house? You can sell your house when behind on payments. This can help you start fresh and avoid expensive bills. If keeping your home sounds like a better option, keep reading!

By following these easy tips, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency without investing in costly repairs and replacements.

Switching to LED Light Bulbs Will Make a Noticeable Difference

One of the quickest and easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to switch out all of your light bulbs to LED bulbs. Not only do LED bulbs last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also use far less energy. In fact, switching to LED bulbs can save you up to 75% on your lighting costs. When shopping for LED bulbs, be sure to look for bulbs that are ENERGY STAR certified. These bulbs have been independently tested and certified to meet strict energy efficiency standards. Although it may seem like a simple fix, you can actually save up to $4,000 over the lifespan of the bulb. And, unless your home suffers electrical problems, you won’t have to change the bulbs for 20 years.

Seal Drafty Areas to Prevent Heat Loss

Another way to make your home more energy efficient is to seal any areas where heat is escaping. This is particularly important in the winter when you’re trying to keep your home warm. By keeping the heat in, your home’s heating system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a stable temperature and you’ll see your electrical bill drop. One of the most common places for heat to escape is around doors and windows. To seal these areas, you can use weather-stripping or caulk, or you install draft guards at the bottom of doors. Another area where heat often escapes is through the roof of the attic. To prevent this, be sure to check the insulation and add more if necessary.

If you live in a particularly cold region or in an area with sustainably hot summers, you should also consider investing in double-glazed windows. This special type of glass is able to reduce heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Of course, this is more of an investment but it will pay off in the long run.

Close Your Drapes and Blinds During the Day

In the summer, the sun can make your home uncomfortably warm. Yet, by simply closing your drapes and blinds when you’re not at home, you can block out the sun’s heat and keep your home cooler. In the winter, do the opposite and open your drapes to let the sun’s warmth into your home. Just be sure to close them at night to prevent heat from escaping.

Again, this might seem like a ridiculously simple solution but window coverings can be an incredibly effective way to reduce heating and cooling costs. For example, the Department of Energy reports that cellular shades can help reduce heat loss through your windows by up to 40% in the winter and heat gain by up to 60% in the summer. With such a substantial drop in temperature change, your home will maintain a stable temperature without the need for constant heating or cooling. You’ll save more money by reducing your reliance on air conditioning and central heating and live more comfortably in the harsher months.

Make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly

Your air conditioner and furnace can use most energy in the home. Making sure all HVAC repairs are done by a licensed HVAC contractor is crucial to your heating and air conditioners performance. Clogged filters, leaking ducts, and bad capacitors all can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

There’s no denying that energy efficiency can make a big difference in your monthly electrical bill. By implementing these three easy tips, you can greatly reduce your reliance on heating and cooling and avoid having to change a lightbulb for the next 20 years. When you’re finally ready to sell your piece of real estate, buyers will also appreciate the effort put into making your home more energy efficient.