If you are being challenged by out of control energy costs, it can be frustrating to try to figure out exactly what is going wrong. Here are some tips to cut monthly home bills. But first, is there a physical problem with an appliance. Or is this more of a behavior and routine problem?
There could be a serious problem with a major appliance like your furnace, leading to that upward climb in your monthly bill. Or it could be something as simple as a clogged furnace filter, which you haven’t been changing on a regular basis.
However, it’s often more a matter of management and behavior that leads to your escalating costs. Some solutions are simple while others require a bit of determination.
Sometimes, bad habits need to be changed and it can take patience and time to break those habits that lead to higher bills. However, you can make an effort to reduce your bills.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Home Costs Every Month
Thermostat Monitoring
The thermostat is a huge culprit. Both summer and winter months can be uncomfortable, and it’s easy to make adjustments when you are feeling miserable.
However, lowering your thermostat settings by just a couple of degrees can lower your bill. Think about your traditional settings.
Commit to adjusting by just two degrees in both seasons. If you are able to adapt, try another degree or two.
Wear warmer clothing in the winter. Use ceiling fans in the summer. You can alter the feel of the room without having to hijack the thermostat settings.
Or, you could consider installing a home automation software such as Nest to automatically adjust temperatures for when you are away, and when you go to bed.
Cooking Strategies
Plan your cooking for the season. Summer heat is a great time for cool meal plans. Emphasize salads and fresh fruit.
Limit your stove use. Take your meat cooking to the outdoors, use your barbecue for grilling through the hot weather.
Conversely, let your oven be your heating helper in the winter. Plan your baking so that you have that extra bit of warmth late in the day or early in the morning.
Use a slow cooker to make some healthy soups like these ones.
Save on Lighting
Cut down on light bulb use in your home. You can save a lot of money by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs. Did you know that you don’t have to put a bulb in every socket?
If you have a 4-bulb light fixture, consider only using two of the sockets. You’ll cut your energy usage in that lighting fixture in half.
Sealing Drafts
You may think a draft is harmless, but taking time to seal a draft can produce surprising results in the indoor temperatures of your home.
Check windows and doors throughout the home to make sure that things are airtight. Use a caulking gun or weather stripping in areas that are in need of touch up sealing.
Window Coverings
While solar shades are more obvious, there are many ways to reduce heat exchange at your windows. There are affordable window films that can be used. They use static cling so don’t need any glue used.
You can even make use of your curtains or blinds to limit heat exchange. Even better if you have blackout curtains. You’ll keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by keeping most window coverings drawn.
Let the light in during moderate days, but when things are icy cold or blazing hot, make the most of the insulating effects of your coverings.
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