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Home Energy Efficiency Checklist
A Homeowner's Guide to Lowering Annual Electricity Costs
Published on Mar 25, 2022
In this blog, we will provide easy and important steps to make sure your home is more energy-efficient.
You Could Lower Annual Electricity Costs up to 10%
There are a few areas in your home that could be raising your monthly electricity bill each month. Finding and evaluating these points of interest are quicker and easier than you may think.
This home energy-efficiency checklist is a simple guide that all homeowners can follow to lower energy costs and save money. Just taking a few minutes out of your day to follow the suggestions below could help you cut your annual costs up to 10%!
Appliances
Conduct a nighttime audit to find out what’s on after hours that shouldn’t be. Vampire energy (also known as phantom loads) is a problem that affects almost all homes and apartments.
For example, TVs, computers, cable boxes, and video game consoles are several appliances that get plugged in and forgotten about. Even when most of these devices are turned off, they still absorb energy and cost you money.
One of the most simple steps in a DIY home energy efficiency audit is to make sure that everything that doesn’t need to be plugged in while not in use is unplugged.
HVAC Systems
Make sure your HVAC is being properly maintained. According to energystar.gov, roughly 43% of your yearly bill is air conditioning!
- Texans heavily rely on our HVAC systems for the countless hot days and infrequent cold days. Always make sure you are replacing your filters every few months at least. Dirty filters cause the HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy than it would with a clean filter in place.
- Be sure to check air ducts for any sign of holes or damage which could cause the system to overcompensate for something easily fixed.
- Make sure your HVAC system is up to date. HVAC systems tend to last 10-20 years and you may be due for an upgrade and not even realize it.
- Lastly, get your HVAC system checked on at least once a year by a professional. This will ensure optimum performance and will ensure any repairs above your skill level are addressed appropriately.
Air Leaks
Air leaks are more prevalent than you may think in homes new and old. Common areas of leakage include
- Electrical outlets
- Baseboards
- Dryer vents
- Areas where different materials meet on the outside of your home (brick, wood, piping, etc.)
Doors and windows are the most common sources of air leakage. There are a few easy ways to tell if they are air compromised.
- You can see daylight through small cracks around the frames
- You can feel air coming through when you’re close to the door or window
- The windows or doors rattle or seem loose
Besides replacing the compromised doors or windows, weatherstripping is a solution. For other gaps or cracks around the house, caulking can be used.
Lighting
The common household light bulb has been the incandescent light bulb for over 135 years. In recent years, CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs and LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have begun to replace incandescent bulbs. Be sure to check what light bulbs you are using in your house, and if they can be replaced.
- The common incandescent bulb usually only lasts around one year
- Not only do CFL bulbs and LED bulbs cut your electricity consumption, but they also last longer
- The realistic lifespan of an LED bulb is around five years. In some cases, they can last 10 to 20 years
Don't Let Simple Problems Drain Your Wallet
Following these steps will definitely get you on the right track to maximizing your home's energy efficiency. All it takes is a little time looking over our guide to possibly cutting your bill down by 10%. Don't hesitate, the savings are waiting for you!
If you’re interested in checking your home energy efficiency on an even more detailed level with a Professional Home Energy Efficiency Assessment, please click here!
Now that you're an expert at home energy efficiency, let Energy Ogre handle the confusion of picking your energy plan. From finding the lowest rate and paying bills, to setting you up for perfect renewal windows, Energy Ogre handles the entire electricity process for you.
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