Guest post contributed by Kara Masterson
Those who are trying to save a little extra money every month don’t always need to make huge sacrifices. In many cases, you can save an incredible amount of money over the years with a few changes to your daily habits and some simple upgrades. Here is a closer look at four easy ways all families can cut back on their energy bills without turning their lives upside down.
Put an End to Phantom Loads
Depending on the size of your family and how many electronics you own, phantom loads could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. Also referred to as a vampire draw, a phantom load takes place when a device you aren’t using continues to pull electricity. The easiest way to get rid of phantom loads is to unplug all of your electronics whenever they are not being used. You can also user power strips to turn off multiple devices at once with a single switch.
Seal Air Leaks
Even with a high-efficiency HVAC system, your energy bills can still be staggering if you have air leaks throughout your home. Most air leaks take place around doors and windows, but you might also have minor damage around pipes, vents, and other openings. Spending a few hours sealing cracks and pinholes with all-purpose caulking could reduce your energy bills by as much as 20 percent.
Have an Underground Propane Tank Installed
After having an underground tank installed on their property, many homeowners will find that propane, from industries like propane services in Jefferson, can be more affordable than most other energy sources. These heating systems are designed to be as efficient as possible, and modern tanks typically last for well over 30 years. Once the tanks are installed, homeowners no longer need to worry about the local power grid going down or price hikes during peak hours.
Become a Cord Cutter
With the rise of online streaming services, more families than ever are now canceling their cable subscriptions. These subscriptions often cost thousands of dollars a year, and the vast majority of shows can be streamed or downloaded directly from the providers. If your family primarily uses smartphones, then you might also want to consider canceling your landline.
The final step in this process is to have an energy audit carried out on your home. During your audit, an experienced inspector will go over every inch of your home to find any issues that could be increasing your energy bills. You will then be given an itemized list of changes that you can make to improve your home’s efficiency.
