5 Ways to Cut Energy Costs
When looking at how you can cut costs this year we encourage you to take a look at your energy bills. It may be as simple as exploring your options and keeping up with scheduled maintenance. Did you know that a furnace and ac tune-up can save you anywhere from 3-10% on your bill? In observance of National Cut Your Energy Cost Day on January 11th, we've gathered a few of our best savings tips to help trim your monthly utility costs.
1.Schedule your annual furnace and ac maintenance
In the midwest, we spend a great deal of money on heating our homes and then turn around and have to cool our homes depending on the time of day. This makes it even more important that your heating and cooling systems stay tuned up and ready to go. An annual tune-up also extends the longevity of your equipment.
2. Replace an old furnace
An energy efficient furnace is a must if you want to save power and lower energy costs. Replacing an old furnace with a more efficient one makes your home more comfortable, increases the overall value of your home, and reduces your monthly cost. When considering purchasing a new furnace look for one that has an AFUE that is rated between 90 and 95%. This rating shows you now much fuel it uses versus how much fuel is wasted. So if its rated at 90 that means its using 90% of it fuel being used is feeding your furnace while 10% is being wasted.
3. Adjust your water heater temperature
Most water heater manufacturers set the temperature to around 140 degrees but this can result in a higher energy loss. If you reduce the temperature by even 20 degrees you can save up to 10% on your bill! Your water heater accounts for up to 25% of your total energy usage so its a great appliance to consider when looking at how to save more money. If you want to see a significant decrease in the amount of energy your water heater uses we suggest upgrading to Rinnai tankless water heater. These units have a 96% efficiency rating and will save you a ton of energy because they only run when you need hot water.
4. Check your water use
Take a look at your water bill to make sure that there is nothing abnormal. An increase in your water bill could mean that you have a leak somewhere in your home. Small leaks can add up to many gallons, and dollars, wasted.
5. Check that any of your other appliances are energy efficient
Other big appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryer’s consume a lot of energy, so if you’re thinking about appliances that you need to replace consider upgrading them to energy-efficient models with an ENERGY STAR certification. Keeping your appliances up-to-date, clean and well-maintained will ensure their longevity and performance for years to come.
As you’re going through this list keep in mind that you don’t have to make all these changes at once. Give yourself time. Entire energy efficiency overhauls can be overwhelming; taking small steps can help make the process much more manageable. Making little changes can make a huge impact; your bills will start to decrease before your know it!
If you have any questions on how we can help you save, give us a call at 913.682.2182.