This year you are probably spending more time at home using your utilities and seeing higher bills as a result. If you want to make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills, consider taking the steps below.
1. Get an Energy Audit
If you want to see how your home uses energy and determine places you can reduce that use, you should get an energy audit. Utility companies and contractors offer these services for a fee. They will use a variety of equipment such as infrared cameras, thermometers and blower doors to assess your heating and cooling systems and any inefficiencies you may have. You can then make changes based on that audit.
2. Install New Windows
If you ever feel like there’s a draft in your house, chances are the cold air you are feeling is coming from the windows. As your house ages and settles, the window frames can contract and move away from the walls creating small gaps. Older windows can also lack modern innovations such as glass that helps block sun rays and keeps cold air outside in the winter and inside in the summer. If you think you may need new windows, contact a window contractor Gloucester County NJ for a consultation.
3. Insulate Walls and Attic
Insulation limits the amount of heat that flows out of the house in the winter and into it in the summer. If your walls don’t have any insulation, there are open gaps between your outer wall and inner wall, creating an area for cold or hot air to settle. An uninsulated attic allows air to easily come in and escape from the roof. Consult a contractor about having your walls and attic insulated. This will help keep your home energy efficient and you more comfortable.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
The temperature you set your thermostat plays an important role in how much power your house uses, as your heating and cooling system use an enormous amount of energy to run. Adjusting the temperature by even a couple of degrees can drastically limit how long your system runs for. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, this might be the time to install one. You can program these thermostats to your schedule, setting the temperature to one that doesn’t run the HVAC when you’re not home during the day.
It is easier than ever to have an energy efficient home. Contractors and manufacturers are coming up with new methods and products to keep your home temperate and your energy bills affordable. Make these changes and see a real difference in your home.
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