We all have a few tricks up our sleeves when it comes to saving money. Perhaps you’re a seasoned coupon clipper who can shave hundreds off your monthly grocery bill with one hand tied behind your back. Or maybe you’re a DIY pro and can fix common homeowner woes others might need to hire out for.
Well, here are a few more ways you can save a few bucks – and be a little more earth-friendly in the process.
Become a ghost hunter.
No, we don’t mean hold a séance to connect with your great-great grandfather. Rather, take a walk around your home and look for all those small appliances and electronics that are left plugged in 24/7 and account for up to 10 percent of your home’s energy usage. Unplugging these “ghost loads” when not in use is a great way to put a few bucks back in your wallet.
Replace clogged, dirty filters.
A dirty, clogged filter forces your HVAC systems to work much harder to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That can translate into more frequent repairs, shorter equipment life, wasted energy, and higher heating and cooling bills.
Check your home’s insulation.
If the insulation in your attic is on the skimpy side, conditioned air can go right through the roof, and your heating and cooling costs right along with it.
If it ain’t broke, consider replacing it anyway.
Did you know that the average water heater accounts for up to 17% of a home’s energy consumption? So, if your water heater is at least 10 years old, every shower and load of laundry is costing you more and more each month.
Upgrade the fridge.
Still hanging on to that old refrigerator from the 90’s? It could be using four times the energy of a brand-spanking new model. Replacing it now can help you save up to $200 a year.
Add a storm door.
A storm door with a screen can do more than keep bugs and other unwelcome critters out while letting a cool breeze through; used in tandem with a front or back door, it can increase your home’s energy efficiency by a whopping 45 percent!
Consider the landscaping.
If you’re looking for ways to spruce up the landscaping, consider leafy trees and shrubs that can shade your home and take some pressure off your central air conditioning system. And when the trees lose their leaves in the cooler months, the branches will allow sunlight to flood your home, helping to keep you warm.
At Anthony’s Plumbing, Heating & Air, there’s a great deal we can do to help cut your energy costs while creating a more comfortable living environment. From annual HVAC preventive maintenance to oil-to-gas conversions and so much more, we’re your go-team of home comfort specialists. Contact us today for service and be sure to ask all the questions you like.
