Up In Smoke! Don't Burn Up Your Budget:These Tips Save Money & Energy!

Times are tough and money is tight. We all like to save a few bucks and energy bills can be infuriating: sending money right up the chimney! Every little bit helps and its good for your wallet and the environment. Homeowners might assume that making our homes energy efficient requires a lot of time and money, but generally that’s not the case. Small fixes can have a big impact on your heating, cooling, and other utility bills.

Below are simple homeowner tips for making homes more energy efficient:

Thermostat settings:

Keep thermostat set at one temperature and leave it. In the winter around 68 degrees and 75 degrees in summer, often depending on your state will determine the proper temperature settings. Avoiding constant adjustments will keep your energy bill stable.

Prevent Dripping:

Leaky shower-heads, toilets, and faucets are hard to miss energy wasters. Toilets that run can increase your water bill. Homeowners can fix the most basic fixes to prevent water waste just by inspecting monthly.

Lighting with Fluorescent:

Fluorescent bulbs do cost more but they last up to five times longer and us only a quarter of the electricity. Fluorescent bulbs can save up to $40 to $60 on your electric bill over the course of its lifetime.

Fireplace Air Leaks:

Many homes lose energy through their homes fireplace. Check the damper and screens or make sure that energy isn’t leaking when the fireplace is not in use. If the fireplace is just for decoration, cover the chimney. Maintained fireplaces should be an economical way to heat your house and add a warm atmosphere.

Appliances Humming:

Clean air conditioning and furnace filters frequently and have units serviced by a professional twice a year, some may say once a year but whether it’s once or twice just have it done.

Windows Leaks:

Windows are the most common energy waste. Make sure that all the weather stripping is in good condition over time it will crumble and need to be replaced. Double-paned windows and storm shutters reduce the energy loss.