Energy consumes a huge portion of a homeowner’s ongoing expenses. Cutting down on energy costs is one step toward lowering expenditures and includes many other significant benefits. Uncover easy ways to reduce a home’s energy consumption.

What are the benefits of cutting energy expenditures?

Lower utility bills are one primary advantage of maintaining a home that uses less energy. The US Department of Energy’s statistics reveal that homeowners can save up to 30 percent annually on their energy bills by incorporating energy saving measures.

Homeowners who plan to sell their home can expect their property value to spike after making energy cutting updates. Green homes sell at a premium in comparison to properties that fail to be energy efficient.

Reducing energy expenditures in a home provides an improved quality of life. The home’s interior is moisture-free, well-ventilated and warmer. Mold infestations are deterred, and illnesses associated with the spores are prevented. Energy cost reductions also help avert indoor air pollutants.

The environment, too, benefits when homeowners transform their property into a green space. Emissions are greatly reduced in homes that implement energy saving measures. By applying the following energy saving home maintenance tips, you can reduce your home’s energy use 25 to 30 percent.

What is an energy audit?

Homeowners can conduct DIY energy audits to pinpoint where the home loses significant energy.

Help cut energy expenditures by hiring a professional energy audit. A detailed energy audit addresses air leaks, duct air leakage, areas of inadequate insulation and inefficiently operating equipment. Based on the findings of the completed audit, the energy professional offers practical energy-saving remedies.

Homeowners can conduct DIY energy audits to pinpoint where the home loses significant energy. While less thorough than professional audits, DIY inspections can help homeowners implement cost-saving measures, like adjusting heating and cooling settings, turning off lights and unused electronics or running appliances at night.

How do you weatherize a home?

An important step in cutting energy costs is to weatherize the home. Sealing air leaks saves homeowners 10 to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Look for gaps around places like windows, doors, electrical outlets and lighting. Apply caulk, foam sealant or foam gaskets to seal the air leaks.

Another important weatherization tip is to add extra insulation. Energy demand is reduced when insulation is added. How much insulation a home requires to improve comfort and save money may be found under the ENERGY STAR recommendations for insulation levels.

How can thermostat settings help cut energy use?

Save up to 10 percent annually on heating and cooling costs by lowering the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for a portion of each day during cooler months. Turn the thermostat up in the warm season. Invest in a smart thermostat for maximum control, trackable energy data and remote capabilities.

How does heating and cooling equipment affect energy use?

Energy efficient heating and cooling systems can dramatically reduce energy costs by 20 percent. Implement additional energy cutting measures, like adding insulation and weather sealing, and see a 50 percent reduction in home energy use.

Replace the home’s existing heating system if it is more than 15 years old, works inefficiently or if repairing a broken unit would cost more than half the cost to replace it. Change the furnace’s air filters once a month. Clean the warm air registers as needed.

What are ways to save on water heating costs?

Consuming 13 percent of energy costs, heating water is a home’s second most major energy expenditure. Cut energy costs by 7 to 16 percent annually by insulating the hot water tank. Insulate the hot water pipes, too, to lessen heat loss and save 3 to 4 percent a year.

Additional water-heating maintenance projects include installing a temperature-sensitive shower head. A switch stops the flow of hot water, but reflows once you restart it inside the shower. This quick home maintenance project can be accomplished with a visit to a local hardware store and offers impressive results.

What are energy saving landscaping tips?

Cooling costs are significantly reduced when deciduous trees are planted on the south-facing part of the home. The shade from the trees cools the home in the summer months and provides warmth, from the sun’s rays, during the winter season.

How do you maintain windows to ensure energy efficiency?

Maximize energy efficiency by installing energy efficient windows. Homeowners not in the market for ENERGY STAR certified windows can still take practical, easy steps to reduce energy use:

To ward off the summer’s hot temps, install white drapes or shades to reflect heat away from the property. Install awnings on windows facing south and west to provide shade and cool the home. When the sun beats down on summer days, close window curtains that face south and west.

How do you save energy with refrigerator maintenance?

The kitchen fridge eats up energy. Adjust the fridge temperature to 35 to 38 degrees. Ensure the fridge door features a tight seal. Adjust the fridge door’s latch or replace the seal if you can pull out a dollar bill easily upon closing the door upon a George Washington.

Energy efficient windows, lighting and appliances are guaranteed to reduce a home’s energy consumption drastically. Even if you are not in the market for brand new systems, you can still implement simple home maintenance strategies and energy saving tips that significantly reduce energy use.

In the event your home undergoes a major disaster, like a flood, fire damage or mold infestation, turn to a professional restoration service. Skilled technicians tackle various disaster scenarios, including water damage, fire and smoke damage, flood and sewage cleanup, and storm damage restoration.

When your residential or commercial property requires a professional restoration and cleaning, professionals are available to return your property to its pre-disaster condition.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.