High Energy Bills? 5 Ways to Cut Costs

Have you noticed an increase in your home energy bills lately? If so, you’re not alone. It happens to all homeowners. While the reasons for the increase can vary, here are the four common culprits to look out for.  

Increased Usage

There are numerous reasons for a higher energy bill, and the most obvious one is that you are using more energy than usual. During summer, we experience high temperatures and often rely on our air conditioning units full-time, leading to increased energy usage. In the winter, heating your home can be even more expensive than cooling it. People spend more time at home in the colder months, watching TV, using computers, and running appliances, which also leads to higher energy consumption.

Faulty or Old Appliances

Appliances past their prime may not work as efficiently as they should, using more energy than necessary. They may also contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions, which have a negative impact on the environment.

Not Enough Insulation

One often overlooked reason for high energy bills is underperforming insulation. Nine out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. If your home is more than 10 years old, chances are it was built to outdated energy codes, which means it likely needs insulation and air-sealing upgrades.

Your System Needs Maintenance

Maintenance of appliances and HVAC units is an important part of owning a home, but if your unit appears to be working just fine, this vital step may fall by the wayside. Just like you need to see the doctor regularly even if you don’t feel sick, your HVAC and plumbing systems need routine maintenance. This is important because there may be hidden problems that need repair. An air conditioner that is not functioning properly simply will not work as efficiently as possible. Even those problems that may seem “minor”—like worn belts or loose fittings—can reduce overall energy efficiency. 

Luckily, there are many things you can do to lower your rising energy bill. Here are five simple steps that you can follow to ensure that your home consumes less energy.

1. Change Your Filters Regularly

Air filters are crucial in keeping your HVAC system running optimally. Dirty filters make it difficult for your HVAC system to circulate air, leading to increased energy consumption. To avoid this, replace your air filters regularly, at least every 60-90 days (about 3 months), or more often if you have pets or allergies.

2. Tune-Up Your HVAC System

Professional maintenance of your HVAC system can go a long way toward improving its efficiency. During this service, a certified HVAC technician will inspect and clean your system, check for leaks, and make necessary repairs. At Goettl we offer our Rejuuuvenation^® service, a thorough service performed by our expert technicians, with six critical checks of your unit and other maintenance checks.

3. Better Insulate Your Home

Poor insulation can make it difficult to regulate your home’s temperature, increasing your energy bills. Check the insulation in your attic, basement, crawlspaces, and walls. If they are not up to par, consult a professional to replace or add insulation.

4. Check Your Appliances

Your appliances consume the most energy in your home, so it’s wise to check them regularly for any defects or inefficiencies. Replace any old or outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that have an Energy Star rating. The ratings help you find efficient options that consume less energy while keeping the same set of features.

5. Turn It Off

Make sure everyone in the family contributes to the effort by turning off lighting, game consoles, and TVs when not in use. Upgrading your lighting fixtures to energy-efficient options can also translate to substantial savings over time. For example, LED bulbs use much less energy than traditional bulbs, and they last longer too.

There are several reasons why your home energy bills may be higher than usual, but by being aware of these factors and taking steps to reduce energy consumption, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with more money in your pocket.