October. A month meant for gathering loved ones around the fire pit as the nights become crisp, for curling up with a book and mug of hot cider as leaves turn crimson and then brown before falling to the ground and – last but not least – for saving energy.
Since 1991, October has been observed as National Energy Awareness Month, serving as a reminder for homeowners to assess their energy usage as winter approaches. To discover ways to use energy more efficiently and save on your monthly gas or electric bill, follow these tips.
Perform a home energy audit
The first step toward responsible energy consumption is to find out how much of it you use. A home energy audit is a quick, simple assessment that analyzes your home’s energy usage. Think it's a waste of time? It could help you save up to 30% on your monthly bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The audit can alert you to places where your home loses energy. Drafty windows and doorways and poor insulation are the most common culprits. While hiring a professional to conduct the audit will give you the most thorough results, you can take matters into your own hands. If you opt for the do-it-yourself route, remember the following:
Inspect your insulation situation
According to Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, nearly 50% of U.S. homes aren’t properly insulated. If your home has less than 12 inches of insulation in the attic, it’s most likely losing heat during winter, causing your HVAC system to work overtime.
Adding more insulation to the attic is an easy, inexpensive way to keep your home comfortable and to shave your energy bill.
Catch air leaks early
Drafty windows and doorways, similar to improper insulation, take a toll on your home’s energy efficiency. The Department of Energy found that the average American home has enough combined air leaks to equate to leaving a window open around the clock.
To keep warm air from escaping and cold air from invading, re-caulk faulty seals around your home’s doors and windows – excess condensation on windows is typically a surefire sign of a leak. Caulking materials cost around $20, and according to ENERGY STAR®, the international program that promotes energy-efficient consumer products, homeowners could save up to 10 times that amount a year through this simple repair.
Freshen your fireplace
Speaking of checking for air leaks, inspect your fireplace. Reduce heat loss by keeping the flue damper snugly closed when not in use. If needed, add heat-resistant caulk around your fireplace hearth.
Raise your home’s energy-efficiency IQ
After pinpointing the most common sources of energy waste in your home, find ways to increase energy efficiency by switching items in your home for their greener counterparts.
Opt for alternative appliances
To cut energy consumption, replace older appliances in your home – washer and dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer – with more efficient models. Traditional appliances are responsible for 13% of your home’s energy usage, according to the Department of Energy.
In contrast, energy-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY-STAR® certified products, require roughly 20% less power to do the same job. Although purchasing new appliances may initially seem like an unnecessary expense, you’ll save money in the long run.
A bright idea: Swap lightbulbs for energy-saving illumination
Lamps or in-ceiling lighting can total nearly 10% of your monthly energy bill; swap at least the most frequently used bulbs in your home for an energy-saving alternatives such as a halogen incandescent, compact florescent lamp or light-emitting diode.
While these bulbs cost more than traditional incandescent lightbulbs, they can end up saving you money. LEDs, for example, use up to 25% less energy than traditional bulbs and last nearly 25 times longer.
Keep the green in your pocket – and your home
According to the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in the U.S. was $114.03 in 2015. By upgrading your home’s energy efficiency with these suggestions, you can save significantly and make wiser use of energy resources.
Shelly White writes for SafecoInsurance.com and HomeownersInsurance.com, an online resource for homeowners and drivers across the country. Offering automobile and homeowners insurance quotes, consumers rely on HomeownersInsurance.com for competitive rates from top-rated insurance carriers. The HomeownersInsurance.com blog provides fresh tips and advice on a range of financial topics to help homeowners and homebuyers make educated decisions about their insurance purchases.
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