When the hot and humid months of June to September roll in, home energy consumption peaks, and utility bills are at their highest. Thankfully, there are many ways for your family to reduce its home energy costs — and in the process reduce its carbon footprint.
With the right upgrades, energy efficiency can be improved, energy consumption can be reduced, and energy costs can be diminished.
Regardless of the scope of work, every home energy upgrade is worthwhile. The fact is that every effort makes a difference, from investment in smart thermostats, to major upgrades to your HVAC system, to enhanced air sealing and insulation. The key is to choose the most effective approach – the one that delivers the best return-on-investment. Consider the following money-saving adjustments this summer to save your hard-earned dollars.
Smart thermostats
With a smart thermostat, you can regulate indoor temperatures remotely. For example, during the workday, and overnight, the thermostat can easily be lowered by a few degrees, and you can even set your air conditioning to boot up as you head home from work. Depending on the size of your home, a smart thermostat — like the NEST — can regulate temperatures from the basement to the top floor, saving you up to 15% on energy bills every month.
AC replacement/installation
Most professionals will recommend replacing your air conditioner when your unit is 15 years or older. If you see spikes in your electricity bill or aren’t getting adequate pressure from your vents, you may want to hire a professional to assess your current unit.
Having a professional in-house assessment is valuable because a home energy expert will be able to recommend upgrades or replacements that best suit your needs. Finding the right installation and repair company will help you learn more today about which services are best for your home and your budget.
Window replacement/retrofitting
Enhancing the thermal performance of your windows will make a dramatic difference in energy efficiency. Sealing your windows and preventing drafts can help you keep costs down. Here’s an easy trick to try: hold a match or candle near your windows; if the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft and may need to apply caulking or other sealants.
Another option is to replace your windows altogether for improved thermal performance. While it may seem costly at first, upgrading to ENERGY STAR windows with a trusted installation company will save you money in the long run, as they help keep your energy costs down all year round.
Installing performance insulation
Depending on when your home was built, a poorly insulated attic and roof can potentially account for up to 25% of home energy loss. In terms of return-on-investment, a properly sealed and insulated attic will reduce home energy costs more dramatically than any other retrofit. Here again, a professional approach will yield the best results and the annual savings will pay down the investment quickly.
A professional approach to reducing home energy costs
While it’s true that a DIY approach to home energy saves money in the short term, a professional approach will deliver a more reliable cost savings over time. From window sealing to home insulation to upgrading your air conditioning unit, now is the time to make the upgrades you’ve been putting off for years.
By any measure, having the work done right the first time is worthwhile. A professional ensures that everything is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and according to the required building code. With heating and cooling, insulation, and ventilation, there is no room for shortcuts.