Is Your Energy Bill as Low as it Can Be?

We all work hard for our money and want to make sure what we do spend isn’t wasted. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing that paycheck we earned is being flushed down the toilet.

Don’t waste your dollars, take action. Try these 3 energy saving tips and make sure your bill is as low as possible.

Using Curtains and Drapes Helps Control the Temperature in Your Home

Curtains and Drapes are not just stylish decor anymore. They are also useful tools in regulating temperature in your home.

Poorly insulated windows can leak air in and out of your house. In the winter months, it can get pretty costly to heat your home. And in the summer, you’ll have your AC cranked and still be scratching your head as to how you’re still melting.

Throwing a pair of curtains on a few windows will save you tremendously, as they create a seal, locking in air. Be sure to get curtains that flow to the floor, or bottom of your window sill. Make sure they are drawn at night time, and during the day on the windows that don’t receive much sunlight. Adding drapes to your windows can reduce energy costs by 33%, and is extremely cost-effective.

Seal Air Leaks in Your Home’s Duct System

Proper air flow through your duct system is critical. If you have any leaks, it can cost you 25-30% on your bill. Checking for leaks can be a pain, but will have a bigger payout in the long run.

Look for holes and spaces on your ducts at the joining sites. These areas are the most common causes of leaks, and easiest to repair. You can fix these yourself with some heat approved tape. Butyl, foil, duct mastic are the best types for sealing leaks, and can be purchased at your local hardware store.

If you have one or more rooms in your home that don’t seem to keep the same temperature very often, there may be a leak you can’t see. This would be the time to bite the bullet and call a professional, to get the job done.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Humans are well intended forgetful beings. We really want what’s best, but often daily life events get in the way, and take priority over other things.

A Programmable thermostat will be one of the best purchases you make for your home this year. It can do all the work for you, and won’t forget like you do. Making small temperature adjustments throughout the day can save you up to 20% on your energy bill, so this is a very cost-effective way to save.

A standard programmable thermostat will cost between 25 and 100 dollars, depending on how many programmable options you want. They work with most heating and cooling systems and are easy to install. Check with your local hardware retailer about which one is best for you, and let the savings begin.

Where there is a will, there’s a way. If you want to save money, it is possible to do so with these 3 energy savings tips. Start now, save forever.