Tips to Control Energy Costs

Tips to Control Energy CostsNo one likes paying bills and energy costs will often make up a large portion of a monthly budget. Below are several tips on how to save energy in your home that will in turn lower the amount that you have to pay for energy each month.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

There are many programmable thermostats on the market and some that will even allow you to control them with WiFi when you are away from the home. These thermostats will automatically turn off your cooling system when you are away from the home and turn it back on again before you arrive. This allows you to save on energy while you are at work or on vacation.

Have Your AC Unit Maintained Yearly

It is important to have your central air conditioning system maintained each year by a qualified technician. This will help to save money is having to repair broken parts and it will also make sure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter may seem like a small and insignificant thing but all the air in your home will pass through it. You should check it each month to make sure that dirt and dust are not building up on it. As it gets more dust collected on it your system will have to work hard, using up more energy, to push the same amount of air.

Make Sure Your Duct work is Properly Sealed

If your duct work has an cracks or leaks then you are losing valuable cool air. This may not seem like a lot of extra expense, but it can add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. You can inspect it yourself or you can hire a professional to inspect and repair any leaks.

Use Only Energy-Star Appliances

Whenever you install a new appliance whether it is an AC, a heat pump or even a computer monitor make sure that it is rated by Energy Star. Energy Star appliances will give you the assurance that you are running the most efficient appliances that you can. These appliances often will cost a little bit more than their energy-consuming counterparts, but they will more than pay for themselves in the years to come.

Install Appliances Properly

You obviously don’t need help plugging in your new toaster, but if you are installing something larger like a furnace or central air conditioning unit make sure that you get it installed by a qualified professional who will make sure that it is installed as efficiency as possible.