5 Home Improvements That Lower Utility Bills

Energy is essential to run any home, but with the bills rising every year, more people are looking for ways to have the convenience energy offers without breaking the bank. If you’ve sat several times on your kitchen table staring at your rising utility bills, it’s time to consider the role your home plays in keeping them high. Here are a few changes you can make to bring your bills down without breaking the bank. 

1. Weather-stripping 

Weather-stripping is not only easy to apply, but it makes a huge difference in keeping the warmth where it ought to stay. Take a candle and place it next to your kitchen door. If the light flickers or is blown off, it’s a sign that your door needs some weather stripping. Weather-stripping will help you keep outdoor air out, and warmth within your house. Your AC will work fewer hours, which will help conserve energy.  

4. Get a new AC 

This is not the cheapest option, but it’s one of the best renovations you can do. First, old ACs are known to use more energy to heat your home, which is significantly higher than new model systems. If your stem is more than ten years old and always demanding expensive repairs, it’s time to replace it. A ductless mini-split will give you everything your stem has now and come with more efficiency saving you energy. 

3. Seal your ducts 

Forty percent of homes lose their heat and cooled air through duct leaks. It may cost you close to $1000 to have a professional seal your ducts, but it’s a small price to pay compared to hiking bills. This renovation is best for anyone who runs their AC frequently. You will see a substantial decrease in your bills within two years. 

4. Use cold water to wash clothes 

Ninety percent of the energy your washing machine uses goes to heating water. On average, an American home will do at least 400 loads of laundry every year. You can imagine how the heating costs add up. To paint a picture for you, a year’s wash on hot/warm water is equivalent to over 180 gallons of gas, while cold water will only use 8 gallons. Such a simple switch can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. 

5. Pack your dishwasher 

As a rule, never run your dishwasher if it’s not full to the brim. Why use so much energy for just a few dishes? Also, switch off the heat dry and let your dishes air dry. This will save you even more on energy. Best of all, this home improvement costs you nothing but a small adjustment to how you do things. As an extra tip, handwash your large pots, pans, and dishes whenever you can. 

Home improvements don’t have to cost you much, but the difference they make can really add up with time. By using the tips given here, you will see a eat change in your utility bill. Research for more tips that will cost you little to nothing and implement them as well.