Cut Energy Costs in 2018

January 10th is National Cut Energy Costs Day – are you ready? Cutting your home’s energy costs doesn’t just have to happen one day out of the year. When you’re looking at your January credit card bills after Christmas gifting, the last thing you want is a power bill well into the triple digits. Here are some easy ways to cut your home energy costs throughout the year.

How to Cut Energy Costs in the New Year

When you run the air conditioner in the summer, turn it up a few degrees; in the winter, turn your thermostat down a little, and wear warm socks and a sweater. Decreasing the energy needed to heat and cool your home by a few degrees can lower your yearly energy bill by a few hundred dollars.

Consider a smart thermostat in your home, like the Nest, to regulate your home’s temperature. If you aren’t handy, a professional electrician can help you install it.

Use natural gas instead of electric

Using a natural gas water heater and heating your home with gas is a cheaper alternative to electrical heat. In fact, installing a natural gas water heater can cut energy costs by 50% just in the first year. Your city’s municipal website should show gas availability – just make sure that when you switch from electric to gas heat to call an electrician, as this isn’t a DIY project.

Use energy saving appliances

Switching to Energy Star appliances, including overhead ceiling fans, can reduce your energy costs as well as your overall carbon footprint. When your light bulbs burn out, replace them with LED lighting instead. Although the up-front cost is more, these bulbs last up to 5 times as long and use less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Seal your home

Make sure your exterior doors and windows are properly weather sealed. If it looks thin or cracked, weather sealing can be purchased at any hardware store (this can be a weekend project). Don’t forget to close your fireplace damper when not in use, and check any pet doors to make sure that they aren’t creating drafts that cause your home’s HVAC to work harder.

Cutting energy costs can be as simple as changing a light bulb. For larger projects, a qualified electrician can help with the installation process and even make recommendations for products that best suit your home. To learn more about hot outlets, get in touch with Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.