5 Home Renovations that will Lower your Energy Bill
Is your energy bill higher than you want it to be? If so, you should consider making some changes around your home to lower your bill. Reducing energy consumption can be simple with a few modern updates. Some of the most influential updates include replacing older windows with newer ones, updating your HVAC system, installing smart light controls, adding ceiling fans to the most used rooms, and finally replacing high-energy appliances with more efficient versions. Although these updates may cost you upfront, they will pay for themselves over time. Continue reading to see how these updates can benefit your home and wallet!
Replace Older Windows
Windows that don’t provide proper insulation is a leading cause of rising energy bills, especially here in Florida. When the temperatures rise, so do cooling costs. Without proper insulation, the Florida heat will find its way into your home making it warmer and therefore causing your AC to work harder because it kicks on more frequently than it should. Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EnergyStar program estimates that the average U.S. home can save $126 to $465 a year when replacing windows?
Update your HVAC System to Cut Energy Costs
When living in Florida, your HVAC system is put to the test during those warm, summer months. If you’ve noticed your electric bill slowly rising over time, it is probably time to replace your HVAC system. Given that HVAC systems account for almost 50% of a household’s electric bill, it is wise to ensure they are working efficiently. As HVAC system’s age, they become less efficient and therefore must work harder to produce the desired temperature. This then leads to a higher energy bill.
Cutting Energy Costs with Smart Light Controls
Smart light controls are an excellent way for any household to save money on an energy bill! Are you one of those people who frequently forget to turn the light off? Smart light controls give you the ability to schedule when the lights turn on or off. Some smart lights even have a motion detecting feature which is said to save you at least 35% of your current light bulb energy usage.
Add Ceiling Fans to the Most-Used Rooms
Adding a ceiling fan may seem contrary to cutting energy costs, but when they are correctly installed, ceiling fans allow households to turn up their thermostats roughly four degrees warmer than the usual setting without surrendering comfort. Turning your thermostat up will result in your HVAC not having to work so hard and therefore cutting costs. Adding ceiling fans saves energy because when the fan is on, it moves air which creates a wind-chill effect that “tricks” your thermostat into believing the temperature is cooler.
Replace High-Energy Appliances with More Efficient Versions
Over the years, our household appliances take a toll from common wear and tear. Although they may still be working, they are using more energy which is costing you more money. Another factor to consider is that appliances gradually begin to become less efficient in their jobs. For example, a dishwasher that was once in prime condition and washing every dish perfectly may now leave dishes some-what dirty and take longer to finish the washing cycle.
A Final Note
Spending some money upfront on energy-saving windows or low-energy appliances will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run on electricity. Invest and take the steps needed to save money. Your wallet will thank you down the road. Call All Phase Building Concepts for your commercial or residential needs and receive a free quote today!