7 errors you make that increase your electricity bill, say the experts
Save major money with these seven simple switches.
Wondering why your energy bill is so high on a monthly basis? You're not alone . According to a recent analysis of data from American census office , more than a quarter of Americans have reduced or warned of basic needs such as food or medication to pay an energy bill in the past year.
Although this reflects greater societal problems outside of American average control, there are also ways to reduce your astronomical energy bills on earth. This is why we have consulted home experts to discover the biggest errors you make that increase your energy bill. Read the rest for their best advice.
Read this then: 10 errors you make that keep your house cold, say the experts .
1 Do not clean your HVAC filters
A major error behind high energy invoices is to forget to clean your heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters (CVC), explains Skylar Christensen , plumber expert and cleaning at Hive plumbing In Salt Lake City, Utah.
"This is a very common error that I saw in too many houses. When the filters of your CVC system are obstructed, the system must work harder," says Christensen Better life . "It will have to operate much longer to reach the planned temperature.
To reduce your energy bill, clean your HVAC filters Every two weeks, advises the expert at home.
2 Be carefree with your air conditioner
We get it - it's hot there. But if you go Your AC Promé at its highest level day after day, you can have an unpleasant surprise when the energy bill arrives.
Glenn Wiseman , RASDT, RHDT, director of the home maintenance and renovation company HOME TOP HAT comfort services , recommends turning off or reducing your cooling system each time you leave the house for prolonged periods.
"The modification of the temperature to five degrees even more when you leave for a few days will help to make sure that your energy bills remain lower., As can also contribute to overall savings," he said Better life .
Wiseman notes that it is also crucial to keep the windows closed each time your air conditioning works.
"It may seem obvious, but it is always an important reminder because temperatures can fluctuate a lot in climates that live the four seasons. If a cooler day has been cooked during the summer or if you have an event of backyard with a lot of movement in and outside the house, be sure to deactivate the air conditioning before opening all the windows. If you do not do, your air conditioning will continue to try to cool the house at the desired temperature, and you will eventually waste a lot of energy, costing you more when your energy bill is due, "he said.
In relation: 5 errors you make that keep your house hot, say the experts .
3 Do not adjust your water heater
Your water heater is another potential drain on your energy stores, says Adam Graham , industry analyst at Fixr.com .
"Your water heater is all the time, by constantly using energy. If you lower the temperature, you lower the amount of energy it needs," said Graham. "Another option is to reduce the water temperature of individual devices and define them according to your needs."
He says that if you find that your water heater uses too much energy, you should consider going to a water heater without a tank.
"The initial cost to install a tank without a tank heater is about $ 2,500 to $ 4,500, but could save you long-term money because they heat the water you use instead of storing it "He notes.
4 Do not get an energy audit
Everyone’s house is different, which is why one of the best ways to optimize your space is to make your energy levels audited by a professional. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"It is difficult to tackle a problem without knowing what is the deep cause. Make an energy audit will identify the problems that increase this energy bill at the end of the month, allowing you to solve the problem in a more permanent way" , explains Graham.
He notes that an energy audit should cost around $ 250 and can show you the biggest drains of your bills, from the devices exceeded to the greater structural problems of the house.
"Contract a company that will make the audit and make changes to your home for you.
In relation: 5 things you should never do when you look central .
5 Do not adjust your devices to their most effective modes
Graham says that making small changes in the house can add up and the more you can automate, the better. By resetting your home devices to their most effective modes, you can make sure they don't unnecessarily drain energy.
You don't know where to start? Try putting your dishwasher on the eco-mode so that it uses less hot water or defects to clean your clothes in a Cold Wash Raxer , Graham suggests.
6 Ignore the air gaps
Air sealing your home, especially around windows and doors - can help reduce your energy bill by reducing unnecessary heating and cooling.
"Air gaps are part of thermal transfer," explains Graham. "When you seal the air gaps, you help stop thermal transfer, making your home more efficient."
Graham says that the effect on your energy bill can be amazing. "Some estimates indicate that you can reduce your bills by 20%, others up to 40% depending on the quantity of thermal transfer which is stopped."
For more home advice delivered directly in your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .
7 Leaving your lights on and your trendy devices
Finally, you can reduce your energy bill by doing what your parents have asked you to do for decades: turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Similarly, disconnecting devices that could empty energy stores when not used can also reduce costs. This may include televisions, game consoles, chargers, microwaves, coffee machines, etc.
