Urban Blog

Your energy bill isn’t fixed in stone. All too often homeowners believe that there is little they can do to lower their monthly utility bill. Luckily, this is not the situation, as there are many steps that one can take to lower energy bills. If you are looking for a dynamic way to save big every month, then we have some great tips that will help you save even more than you may have imagined. Let’s dive in and explore five great tips designed to help you reduce your spending. Maybe you’ll actually feel a little joy when you open that envelope every month!

Energy Saving Tip Number One-Insulation
Insulation might seem a bit pricey upon first glance, but there is no denying that it is worth it. The more energy you consume on a monthly basis, the more worthwhile and cost savings an invest insulation becomes. There are plenty of options when it comes to insulation, and the good news is that you don’t have to opt for a potentially damaging and toxic chemical based insulation to get the job done.

Options such as blue jean and wool insulation are both people and planet friendly. These insulation options work very well and come from either recycled or renewable options.

Taking the time to insulate previously un-insulated areas, such as crawl spaces and roofs, can really pay off. Old insulation can also be a major source of energy loss. The simple fact is that insulation just doesn’t last forever and does need to be replaced. Additionally, insulation is unlike almost any other home improvement in that it starts paying for itself almost as soon as it is installed. If you want lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint, then you’ll want to install insulation sooner than later.

Energy Saving Tip Number Two-Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star appliances are another worthwhile investment. This is particularly true if you have old appliances. Old appliances are tremendous energy users and can really hit you in your wallet. That is, of course, the bad news, but the good news is that Energy Star appliances are affordable and will start paying for themselves immediately.

Another piece of good news is that there are numerous different kind of Energy Star appliances including refrigerators. It is important to pay attention to refrigerators due to the fact that refrigerators are always on and always using electricity. An old refrigerator can really send your energy bill soaring through the roof! If you can only select oneEnergy Star appliance, it might not be a bad idea to start with a refrigerator.

Energy Saving Tip Number Three-Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are notorious for leaking, and that means money is flowing out of your windows and doors. Heating or cooling air only to see it flow right out your windows and doors is depressing. Of course, replacing windows and doors can be extremely expensive.

If you can afford to replace old windows and doors, it is a good idea to do so. Older homes are usually in desperate need of new windows. When removing old windows from homes built before 1979, keep in mind that lead paint might be an issue. So look for window professionals that understand how to address the issue of windows with lead paint.

If replacing your windows and/or doors isn’t an option, there are still significant steps you can take. Modern windows are often double paned and come with other energy efficiency features. You can get some of these benefits through caulking and using plastic window treatments to keep cold or warm air from both escaping and making its way into your home. Usually the cost of this step is nominal, but the energy saving rewards can be nothing short of immense.

Energy Saving Tip Number Four-Turn Down Your Thermostat

 
You may have heard before that you should turn down your thermostat. The other tips on our list require some work, planning and various degrees of expense, but turning down your thermostat is as easy of a cost saving step, as you’ll ever see.

In a just a moment, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars every year. It isn’t necessary to invest in an expensive or fancy thermostat, although that can help. In the end, turning down your thermostat is all it takes to start saving.

Energy Saving Tip Number Five-Evaluate How You Use Your Space

If you are spending most of your time in just one or two rooms of your home, you may be able to turn your thermostat down and just heat and cool those key areas. This tip works particularly well for certain times of the day.

A portable heater or air conditioning unit can be a real money saver; after all, why heat or cool your entire home when you are sleeping? At night, a portable heating unit or air conditioner can help you save tremendously. Like turning down your thermostat, this is a simple but remarkably effective way to save money.

Together these five tips can completely transform your energy usage and, in the process, help you save a bundle. These five tips are also good for the planet and when used in conjunction with one another can produce impressive results. Using less energy means a lower carbon footprint, and that is something we can all get excited about!