3 Tips to Lower Your Energy Bill This Spring

01/31/2024

As we transition from the frigid winter months to the temperate and blossoming spring season, it feels like a perfect time to embrace new changes. For many homeowners, Spring is not merely a season of renewal. It's also a time to bring in fresh habits that can save energy and reduce bills.

Whether you're a stalwart of Jim Thorpe or a resident of Carbon County, Pennsylvania, you're likely looking forward to shedding the layers and reducing your reliance on home heating. Here are three easy-to-implement tips to help you achieve a greener, more cost-effective household this Spring.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances perform the same tasks as their less-efficient counterparts but use less energy to do so—the result is a lower energy bill. With technologies like improved insulation, better compressors, or advanced electronics, these appliances consume less energy, effectively reducing your household's carbon footprint.

Benefits of Upgrading Appliances

The switch towards energy-efficient appliances isn't merely an eco-friendly decision. It's a sound investment that can yield substantial savings on your monthly utility bills. Over time, the cost difference between traditional and efficient models pays off, offering a tangible return on investment.

Examples of Energy-Efficient Appliances

From refrigerators and dishwashers to water heaters and air conditioners, an energy-efficient option is available for almost every home appliance. For instance, a new energy-efficient refrigerator will cost you less to run than a decade-old model, and the difference can be quite significant.

Improve Home Insulation

Importance of Insulation in Energy Conservation

Good insulation is one of the most critical ingredients in an energy-conserving home. It creates a barrier which slows the flow of heat in and out of your home, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.

Different Areas of the Home to Insulate

Start with the attic, as this is where the majority of your heat is likely to escape. Then move on to walls, floors over unheated spaces, basement walls, and crawl spaces. Proper insulation in these areas can maintain a consistent indoor climate, especially important during the seasonal transitions.

Types of Insulation Materials

Insulation materials come in various forms, such as fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Each offers different benefits and can be chosen based on factors like cost, effectiveness, and ease of installation. For example, while fiberglass is a common and cost-effective option, foam insulation provides a higher R-value— a measure of thermal resistance, which translates to more effective temperature regulation.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

Optimal Temperature Settings for Energy Savings

Setting your thermostat to an optimal temperature can result in significant energy savings. According to the Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat seven to ten degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.

Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is a valuable tool for automating your temperature adjustments. It allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring that your home is comfortable when you need it to be and conserving energy when you don't.

Tips for Efficient Thermostat Usage

Consider setting your thermostat to a cooler temperature at night when the natural temperature dips and your bedding provides warmth. During the daytime, when you're away at work or school, a slightly cooler temperature is both efficient and cost-effective. Moreover, remember to regularly change the air filters in your HVAC system, as this simple maintenance task can improve its efficiency and lifespan.

Call Kresge Electric Today

Implementing these three tips can make a noticeable dent in your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable home.

And a reminder, if you find that your energy bills aren't reflecting these improvements, it might be time to call a professional like Kresge Electric. We offer a wide range of services, from performing free energy audits, to installing new, energy-efficient appliances, to assessing and improving your home's electrical systems for maximum efficiency. Schedule your free estimate online or by calling us at 570-325-2773 today!