Like most people, you’re probably looking forward to cooler temperatures this season to provide some relief from the money you spent on high energy bills this summer. You’ve probably already spent a massive wad of cash just keeping your home cool this summer. However, cool weather alone may not be enough to help you save. According to Energy Star, the average American household spends almost half of its energy bills on heating and cooling the home. So, here comes round two of high energy bills from heating your home, unless you become a sleuth and discover sneaky ways you’re losing money. Use these tips to learn how you’re creating waste and stop the money drain before it starts.
Leaky Faucets
While there may not be a lot you can do to avoid high energy costs from heating your home this season, you can still find ways to save. After all, heating bills may not be the only way you’re losing money. One surefire way to lose money down the drain literally is by having leaky faucets.
One drip may not seem detrimental, but over the course of a year, that drip can add up to gallons of water. This could result in a few dollars to several hundred dollars in wasted energy per year if this issue is not addressed.
Running Toilets
Another sneaky energy loss may come from running toilets. A worn flapper is typically the cause of running toilets, which could waste several gallons of water per day if this issue isn’t addressed. Left unaddressed, this issue could result in a significant increase in your water bill.
High Water Temperature Setting
If you love very warm showers, especially during the cold seasons, you may be reluctant to reduce the temperature setting on your water heater. However, doing so will save you a few dollars on energy bills. The normal range for a water heater is between 120°F and 140°F. However, some may like it much higher than this. If you can keep it at 120°F, this will help save 4% to 22% annually on heating costs. It is also a good idea to insulate your water heater to minimize energy consumption and save an additional 7 to 16% on water heating costs. Insulating the hot water pipes can also help raise water temperatures, improving the efficiency of the hot water delivered into your home and lowering costs.
Unnecessary Lighting
Do you really need to have that bathroom or kitchen range light on? Some people like to have lights on in the house to deter intruders, but keeping lights on that aren’t being used may be adding more dollars to your energy bill. Turning off lights that aren’t in use will help bring in the savings. Using sunlight during daylight hours instead of artificial light can also help minimize the use of unnecessary lighting. Another clever way to save on lighting is by replacing incandescent lights with LED lights.
Windows and Doors
According to the Department of Energy, “heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” If your windows are old or not energy-efficient, this may increase your reliance on your HVAC system. If you’re looking for ways to save money this fall, you may want to replace your windows and doors. If replacing them isn’t in your budget, consider weatherproofing your windows and doors to keep the air out. Another way to prevent energy loss through windows is to hang thermal-insulated draperies after weatherproofing to keep heat inside the home.
Poor Insulation
Doors and windows may not be the only way you’re losing energy and causing your furnace to work much harder than it should. Poor insulation can also increase reliance on your furnace, resulting in higher energy bills. It is especially problematic in an uninsulated attic, which can cause ice dams that may damage other areas of the home, including the drywall, shingles, and other parts of the roof. Insulating the attic will be a strong defense against cold weather and energy waste.
Excessive Use of Heating
When it’s cold outside, your instinct may be to crank up the heat to higher temperatures. However, this is not the best use of your furnace. Increasing your temperatures to high levels is costing more money than it’s worth. During the colder months, it is ideal to set the thermostat to a temperature between 68°F and 70°F to save on energy.
If you happen to be away during the day, it is ideal to invest in a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat to regulate the temperature while you’re away. Having such a thermostat will allow you to save on heating costs by lowering the temperature when you’re not at home and increasing it when you need to once you arrive. To prevent damage to your pipes, ensure that your thermostat never drops below 55 degrees.
Improperly Working Thermostats
Sometimes your excess use of heating may not be because you’ve chosen to turn up the heat. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, this could also be costing you money because your furnace has to work longer and harder than necessary. Additionally, having a thermostat in an area of the house that is colder than other parts, such as near an entryway, can cause it to activate at times when it shouldn’t.
Getting regular inspections before the cold season arrives will ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly. If necessary, you may need to relocate the thermostat to a more stable part of the house so that it operates according to the real temperature in the home.
Forgetting to Change Filters
As you use your furnace, a significant amount of dirt may accumulate on the filters. You must change them out every one to three months to improve indoor air quality and keep your unit running properly. Failure to do so can result in an HVAC system that operates less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills.
Using an Outdated Heating System
If you’re heating system is over 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. Although it may still be working, it is probably increasing your energy bills. Additionally, your current system may not be an Energy Star-certified furnace, which could result in annual energy cost savings of $40 to $120.
Failure to Close Vents in Rooms Not Used
If you have empty rooms in your home, they may be costing you money, particularly if you have the vents open in these rooms. Forced-air heating systems distribute heat evenly throughout the entire house, including rooms that are not in use. Closing vents in those rooms will redirect the heat to areas of the house where heat is needed, saving you a few bucks on heating unoccupied rooms.
Not Using the Ceiling Fan
Aren’t ceiling fans supposed to keep the house cool? They do in summer. However, in winter, they keep the house warm. The normal direction of a ceiling fan is counter-clockwise, which pushes air downward and helps keep the room cool in warmer months. However, in cooler months, it’s a good idea to use your ceiling fan in the clockwise direction. With the flip of a switch, turning the blades in a clockwise direction helps push warm air around, minimizing reliance on heat from the furnace.
Keeping Things Plugged in That Don’t Have to Be
Do you have televisions, microwaves, computers, and other items plugged in at your home that don’t have to be plugged in at all times? This could result in phantom energy waste. Unplugging these items or placing them on power-saving mode when not in use can save a few hundred dollars per year.
Having an Outdated Breaker Box
If you want to get to the source of what’s draining your finances, look no further than the breaker box. An outdated one may use more electricity due to poor power distribution throughout the home. It may also cause appliances to consume more energy, driving up costs. Getting a new panel will help reduce costs and make the home safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other ways I can save on energy?
Yes. If it is in your budget, it is best to convert as many of your appliances, windows, and building products to Energy Star products. Another way to save is to minimize the use of warm water when washing clothes. One more way to save on energy is to invest in smaller appliances to prepare food instead of using larger ones, especially the stove. If you have a fireplace that you’re not using, it’s a good idea to close the damper to keep cold air out.
Will a smart home help me save on energy?
Yes. A smart home will enable you to have greater control over your energy usage by allowing you to control your lights, appliances, and thermostat with a smartphone, making adjustments easily.
Is there a way for me to save while using holiday lights?
Yes. If you love to decorate your home with lights for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, it’s best to opt for LED-based lights. These lights will use less energy and cost less money. Using a smart plug for holiday lights allows you to have greater control over energy usage, as you can remotely control your lights from your smartphone.
