If you want to get ahead financially, you have to realize the importance of energy wasting habits. Owning a home can be a very expensive undertaking. Without a budget in place, you will have a hard time keeping your finances in good shape.
Having a baseline estimate of what your monthly energy costs are is a wise move. With this baseline number, you can easily notice drastic increases in your energy bill. Energy wasting habits cause a lot of money waste.
Read below for some bad energy wasting habits you need to correct to save energy.
Incorrect Water Heater Settings Can Be Costly
A functional water heater is a luxury that most homeowners take for granted. If this important plumbing fixture malfunctions, working with water heater repair services is crucial.
A water heater that is devoid of repair issues will be far more efficient. If peak efficiency is your top concern, then you need to be mindful of your current water heater thermostat settings.
If the temperature on your water heater thermostat is too high, it will lead the fixture to work overload. Higher thermostat settings can also result in a lot of energy waste.
Most water heaters come from the factory with a thermostat setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to conserve energy, you need to lower your water heater thermostat to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some homeowners mistakenly think that lowering their water heater thermostat will make showers more uncomfortable.
In reality, you probably won’t be able to tell a difference between the warmth of the water you bathe with. Lowering your thermostat settings can also reduce corrosion and slow down mineral buildup.
Avoid The Cost of Leaving Lights On
Every year, homeowners in the United States spend millions of dollars on energy waste. If you live in a home with children, you know how absent minded they can be.
Most parents are constantly complaining about their children’s habit of leaving lights on in rooms they aren’t using. Many adults make this mistake as well and usually have to pay the price.
The amount of energy used to power the light bulbs in your home is not as significant as running appliances. However, correcting the common energy wasting habits can help you conserve resources and save a few dollars on your electricity bill.
If you have a hard time remembering to turn off lights in your home, you might want to invest in smart home automation. With this automation, you can set timers for your lights to turn off on time.
Changing HVAC Air Filters is a Must
You probably don’t realize just how much dirt and dust enters a home via an HVAC unit. When these pollutants get into the inside portion of an HVAC unit, it is the job of the air filter to remove them.
Most HVAC air filters are disposable. This means you need to change it every two months or so. Failing to change a dirty HVAC air filter can cause a variety of problems.
If your HVAC system is unable to get the proper amount of air circulation, it will have to work harder to keep the inside of your residence at a comfortable temperature.
The harder your HVAC unit works, the more energy it will ultimately consume. A dirty air filter will also allow a number of pollutants to enter your indoor air supply.
The best way to avoid these issues is by making a habit of checking your air filter every month. If you notice that your filter is covered in dust, then investing in a high-quality replacement is vital.
Reaching out to HVAC repair professionals is a great way to figure out which replacement filter is the best option for your residence.
Failing to Address Insulation Issues
The insulation in your attic has a finite lifespan. There will come a time when the insulation in your attic may need to replace. Ignoring an attic full of old and damaged insulation is a mistake that can come back to haunt you. An insufficient amount of insulation in your attic can result in a lot of energy waste.
If all of the air being heated or cooled by your HVAC unit is escaping through your attic, your energy bills will start to rise. This will also lead to a strain being put on your HVAC unit.
You can address these problems by having new insulation installed. The world of modern insulation is filled with options. This is why you have to take the time to research your options before making a selection.
Fix Front Door Drafts With a Quality Storm Door
Performing a home energy audit is a great idea. With the results of this audit, you can pinpoint sources of home energy waste habits and develop strategies to fix them.
As you inspect your home, be sure to take a look at your front door. Home exterior doors are notorious for draft issues. If you detect a draft around your front door, then you need to address this problem immediately.
One of the easiest ways to eliminate drafts from your front door is by investing in a quality storm door. A well-insulated storm door will keep air from escaping your home.
These doors can also boost the curb appeal of your home. Instead of trying to install a new storm door on your own, reach out to experienced professionals for assistance.
Replace Old Appliances
Outdated appliances are one of the most common energy wasting habits. These older appliances are also prone to breaking down, which is why replacing them is a good idea.
Modern appliances are designed to last longer and use less energy. If you are serious about conserving energy in your home, then you can’t deny the importance of investing in new appliances.
If you are currently making these mistakes, it is time to correct them. By following the great advice in this article, you can lower your power bill in no time.
