Do you wince every time you receive your energy bill? Well, the good news for you is that there is a way to change that. See, whether you realize it or not, you are using up (or wasting) far more electricity than you need. This is what is causing your bill to soar every month. So, as long as you know how to put an end to this excess expenditure, you will be able to cut down on how much you pay. Here is all that you need to know about how to do this:
Have an Energy Audit
Before you make any changes, you need to figure out what the real culprits are when it comes to energy users and wasters. This is why your first step should be to complete an energy audit of your home. Now, your utility provider may conduct such an audit for you for free. Or, you may be able to get a professional consultation for several hundred dollars. If you don’t want either of these options, conduct an audit by yourself.
In addition to identifying what machines and outlets use up the most electricity, you should also figure out what is wasting energy as well. For instance, do you know that you need high-quality, energy efficient Ajax windows if you don’t want the heat in your home to escape?
Insulate Openings in House
Is your house rather old? If so, you will be surprised to learn just how much heat in the winter and cold air in the summer is escaping through various openings. The two main culprits are your windows and your doorways. Fortunately for you, it is relatively easy to remedy the situation.
When it comes to your doors, you can use caulk and sweeps to prevent the air from escaping. As for the smaller openings, you may want to consider windows in Whitby. These newer versions are able to save you up to 23 percent on your total bill!
Avoid Phantom Loads
Most people assume that when they switch appliances off that that is the end of the power usage. This isn’t the case. See, there are some devices that continue to draw power even if they are switched off or are in “sleep mode”. The main culprits are TVs, DVR sets, laptops, garage door openers, surge protectors, and more.
As you can imagine, all of this adds up until your electricity bill shows you the damage. To avoid such charges, simply unplug any and all electric appliances and devices when they are not in use. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Substitute Older Appliances with New Ones
If you are willing to make a real commitment to energy efficiency, then it is a good idea to consider buying new appliances. Understand, energy efficient machines have only recently become quite popular. So, if you have an older machine on your hand, there is a good chance that it is drawing more power than necessary. Thus, buying a newer version will save you money in the long run.
There are numerous ways that you can avoid paying more than necessary for your energy bills. All of the above tips should help to make your situation a lot less costly.
