If you’re like the majority of Americans, then you’ll be interested in working to reduce your energy bills. In fact, given how quickly energy bills seem to be rising at the moment, reducing your energy-related expenses is probably pretty high on the priorities list.
Most homeowners are familiar with the standard energy-reducing tips you’ll find online, including switching off appliances when they’re not in use and adding insulation to your property. With that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to run through some often overlooked strategies which, when put together, can have a big impact.
Increase Natural Light
Increasing the amount of natural light that passes into your home can help boost your enjoyment of your property and increase its value (home seekers care deeply about natural light). It can also help lower your energy expenses. Letting in natural light helps to lessen your dependence on artificial lighting and can even help warm up your home on sunny but chilly days. Just be sure to block out sunlight on extra warm days — adding light-control blinds or blackout curtains can be effective for this.
Maintain Your Appliances
Your appliances are going to be responsible for a big chunk of your energy bill, but how much they’re responsible for is somewhat within your control. Well-functioning, well-maintained appliances use less energy than older or poorly-maintained appliances. If you haven’t upgraded your appliances in a decade or so, then look at buying an Energy Star-rated model. You’ll notice the impact on your energy bills. Remember, however, that even energy-efficient appliances can be inefficient if they’re not looked after properly. A dryer that has an unclean vent, for instance, will need to work harder for longer to dry your clothes. Working with a dryer vent cleaning company like the one available at https://www.jcs-homeservices.com/dryer-vent-cleaning-in-leesburg-va/ can ensure that your dryer works as efficiently as possible. It’s also recommended to periodically have an HVAC maintenance company tune up your HVAC system since inefficient systems can have a dramatic — and negative — impact on energy bills.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Looking for an easy way to reduce your energy consumption? Then look at washing your clothes in cold water. Warming up the water to heat your clothes accounts for some 90% of a clothes washer’s energy consumption, and what’s more, washing your clothes in hot water isn’t even necessarily more effective. If you’re just doing standard washing — say, getting rid of smells rather than removing stains — then cold water will work just fine.
Look at Switch Suppliers
Unfortunately, if you live in a state that has a regulated energy market, then this tip won’t be possible. However, if you live in a state that has deregulated energy (you can find a list here), then this might be one of the easiest ways to save considerable cash on your energy bills. Simply see what options are out there, choose the lowest rate, and make the switch — you’ll get the same level of service, for less money. Perfect!
