With the cost of living rising all the time, it’s important to find ways to save money however you can. One of the largest bills for most homeowners is their energy bill. If you can save even a small percentage on this large bill, you stand to save a lot of money in the long run. To help you save money without spending a lot of money, here are a few ideas for small energy upgrades that can make a big difference in efficiency.
Upgrade Your Light Bulbs
Good lighting is a major part of what makes a house feel like a home. Unfortunately, inefficient lighting can make your home feel more like a nightmare. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in energy-efficient light bulbs so that you can reduce your energy usage while improving your home’s lighting. Thanks to the low price of LED bulbs, you can upgrade your entire home without making a significant investment.
Upgrade Your Light Switches
While you’re upgrading your light bulbs, it might also be a good idea to have an electrician upgrade your light switches. If you find that you or your family members leave lights on in unused rooms, you can upgrade to switches equipped with motion sensors. These sensors ensure that the lights will turn off automatically after a period of inactivity. When you do remember to turn the lights off manually, these switches make it easy with a push-button mechanism. There are also smart switches that can be accessed from an app on your phone. This can be another great tool if you tend to leave the lights on by accident.
Seal Air Leaks
If your home has major air leaks, a lot of the money you invest in gas and electricity is likely going right out the window. Take a weekend to closely inspect your windows and doors to find cracks that could use some caulk. Once you fill these cracks, you can move on to your home’s foundation, another common source of air leaks. After you’ve put in the work, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more comfortable home that’s also much more energy-efficient.
Check Your Thermostat
Speaking of keeping your home comfortable, your thermostat is another great item to check when you’re looking to save money on your utility bill. By upgrading to a programmable thermostat, you can ensure that your HVAC system only runs when you’re actually home to enjoy the comfort. This will greatly reduce your home’s energy usage because your HVAC system, by far, uses the most energy in your home. Many power companies even offer rebates for smart thermostats, so you may be able to get a significant discount on this investment.
After saving money by investing in small upgrades, you may want to consider doing some further investing into the efficiency of your home. Using the money you save over time, you can invest in more significant energy-saving projects like high-efficiency appliances to help you lower your utility bills even further. This will result in a house that is comfortable, beautiful, and inexpensive to operate.
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