5 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill
May 29, 2024
High energy bills can strain your budget and leave you asking the question: “Where is all that energy going?”. Luckily, there are steps you can take to identify these issues and make your home more energy efficient. Here are 5 ways to lower your energy bill.
Identifying the Problem
Before you can reduce your energy bill, it is important to understand why it is so high to begin with. Many factors contribute to high energy usage:
- Poor Insulation: poor insulation in your home can result in heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder and consume more energy.
- Old Appliances: Outdated appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and especially your heating and cooling systems are less energy-efficient than newer models and can contribute to high energy bills.
- Air Leaks: Drafty windows, doors, and gaps in walls or ceilings allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to come into your home, leading to increased energy usage.
- Overuse of Electronics: Leaving electronic devices, lights, and appliances on when not in use can waste energy and raise your electricity bill.
- Inefficient Lighting: Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume more energy and generate more heat than energy-efficient alternatives like
LEDs or CFLs.
Lowering Your Energy Bill
Below are some ways to help you lower your energy consumption and save money:
1. Improve Home Insulation
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping or caulking.
- Consult a professional inspect your HVAC Systems for air leaks
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Replace old appliances with energy efficient models. High-efficiency inverter-driven heating and cooling equipment are the future of HVAC.
- Choose energy-efficient settings on your appliances, such as using cold water for laundry and running the dishwasher only when it is full.
3. Practice Energy-Saving Habits
- Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use.
- Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, saving you energy when you're away from home. However, it’s important to keep in mind that during extreme outdoor temperatures, your HVAC system may not be able to “catch up” to the desired setpoint for several hours, maybe not until the middle of the night.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Lighting
- Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs, which use less energy and last longer.
- Take advantage of natural light during the day by opening curtains or blinds and minimize artificial lighting whenever possible.
5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
- Keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently by scheduling annual maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician.
- Replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and maximize energy efficiency.
What We Learned
High energy bills can be a source of frustration for homeowners, but with the right strategies, you can take control of your energy consumption and lower your monthly expenses. Modern HVAC Systems offer better airflow and improved energy efficiency, creating a more comfortable living environment. If you are in Lincoln, Nebraska or the surrounding area,
contact Custom Cooling and Heating for a consultation and start reducing your energy consumption today.
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Ensure your furnace switch is ON: Furnaces often have a standard light-switch-style power switch on or near the unit. Make sure it wasn’t accidentally turned off. Look at your air filter: A severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut down for safety. If the filter looks dusty or blocked, replace it . If these quick checks don’t restore heat, the issue may be deeper inside the system and require professional attention. 2. Avoid Overworking Your System When heat stops flowing, it’s natural to keep adjusting the thermostat, hoping the furnace will kick back on. Try to avoid repeatedly turning the system on and off, as this can make the situation worse or cause damage. Instead, turn the system off if you smell burning, hear unusual noises, or see signs of overheating. These can signal electrical issues or mechanical failures that need a technician. 3. Use Safe Temporary Heating Solutions While waiting for repairs, you'll need to keep your home comfortable, but safety should always come first. Avoid using your oven or grill to heat your home, as these methods are extremely dangerous. Safer alternatives include: Electric space heaters: Keep them on a stable surface, at least three feet from flammable items. Fireplaces: Ensure the flue is open for proper ventilation. Layered clothing and blankets: A simple and safe short-term solution. If indoor temperatures drop too low, consider staying with a friend, family member, or in a hotel to avoid the risk of frozen pipes or health issues. 4. Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing A broken heater doesn’t just affect comfort, but it can also put your plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. To help prevent freezing: Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air around plumbing. Let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving. 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Stay Warm with Reliable Winter Heating Support A broken heater in the middle of winter can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experts at Custom Cooling & Heating are here to restore your comfort quickly and safely. Whether you need emergency repairs , routine maintenance , or a new system installation , our team is ready to help. Need fast heating service? Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today and let us bring the warmth back to your home.
