With the summer heat rolling in fast, you may be looking ahead with dread towards hefty electric bills once again. If you're looking to save, check out the tips we have for you! Not only can they save on your bills this season, they can also help when winter comes again. So here are the 8 tips than can help you save:
- Wrap your water heater - people take hot showers no matter the seasons, so insulate your water heater to lose less heat.
- Annually service your Heat/AC system - this can ensure that it continue to run efficiently.
- Check your duct work - you have may leaks, or you could improve your insulation around it.
- Add insulation - this is a great way to save energy, though it may require some tearing up of walls. In your attic, you should have at least 6 inches for proper insulation. If you have less than 6 inches, add more - it can only help!
- Use a programmable thermostat - these can be useful by not wasting energy while you're not in the house. Most people aren't in their houses for half the day, so you can see a lot of savings by turning up/down the temperature while you're gone.
- Check/replace appliances and fixtures - using low-flow water heads can reduce heating and water bills as well as make your house more environmentally friendly by wasting fewer resources. Especially check for low-flow faucets, shower heads, and flush toilets with multiple flush options.
- Install double-pane windows - while it's a bit of a money investment in the short-term, the long-term savings you'll see in your heating/cooling bills is worth it. Plus, it is a big point for selling your house, if that's on the eventual to-do list.
- Plant a shade tree - shade trees are usually planted on the west, south, or east sides of the house, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, so as to reduce the amount of sun hitting the house in the summer while not impeding it during the winter. Not only will you see energy savings, but you'll also improve the look of your lawn.
Try out any one or more of these tips and you'll start seeing the savings happen each month. But if you do them all - wow, will you see a change! Why not invest in your home's equity and save yourself money in the long-run? It's a win-win situation, and all it takes is a bit of extra time on your part. So don't wait until tomorrow - save today!
If you need assistance with renovating your home, Home Service Unlimited can help! Just give us a call at 703-926-5339 for bathroom and basement remodeling or any painting you need done around the house.
For more information, refer to the infographic below.
