We all dread the arrival of our utility bills; however, what if we told you that you don’t have to be worried about its contents anymore! We at Hi-Tech Plumbing, Air & Electrical are here to tell you precisely that! With more and more technological advancements created to save energy, you can cut costs in your home this year with a few upgrades, maintenance practices, and adjustments.
Here are some great tips on how to start saving money on your utility bills:
LOWER YOUR INDOOR TEMPERATURE
By reducing your indoor temperature to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save up to 10% on your climate control costs. That’s right, this easy change can bring you and your family some significant savings. If this temperature is too chilly for your liking, increase your thermostat by one degree until you reach a comfortable climate. Each degree matters!!
REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTERS
Your air filters are responsible for catching any dirt and debris circulating in your air to reduce the amount of harmful airborne particles in your home. When an air filter becomes clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through your ventilation and into your home. This increases the power usage of your heating and cooling network, showing up in your utility bill.
Make sure you replace your air filters at least every three months to keep your system running efficiently! Not to mention, this will help improve your indoor air quality as well!
INSTALL ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES & WATER-CONSCIOUS FIXTURES
Switching outdated appliances and fixtures for new energy-efficient and WaterSense label products will prove beneficial for you in the long run. The upfront cost of installation will be offset by the amount you save over the course of your time in your home. This is especially true if you are in your forever home! From replacing an old fridge to upgrading your bathroom fixtures, these changes will make drastic impacts on your home utility costs. A savings that is sure to pay off time and time again!
ADD MORE INSULATION TO YOUR HOME
Your home heating and cooling efficiency will only be as successful as your insulation. From your attics to your basements, these spaces can become major heat suckers if left without the proper insulation. Installing additional insulation in these rooms will prove to keep a more stable temperature within your home during drastic weather conditions. Outdated insulation should also be addressed and updated.
REDUCE THE TEMPERATURE ON YOUR WATER HEATER
Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit when installed; however, you can likely drop this set temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining satisfactory hot water in your home. This should be done, especially if you have young children at home, as water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit will eliminate any chances of scalding. This will inherently lower your utility costs, as your water heater will require less power to reach your desired temperature.
RUN YOUR DISHWASHER ONLY WHEN IT IS FULL
Unless you have a half-wash setting on your dishwasher, it is best to only run your dishwasher when it is completely full of dirty dishes. No matter how many dishes are in your appliance, your dishwasher will use the same amount of water to complete the job. The less you run your dishwasher, the lower your water costs will be. Not to mention, your energy bill will also drop, as your dishwasher uses hot water to clean your dishes.
FOLLOW THIS REFRIGERATION RULE
Before placing leftovers in your refrigerator, it is important to allow the food to cool before placing it inside. Why is this key to keeping your utility costs low? Well, placing hot food in your refrigerator will cause your appliance to work harder to bring the interior temperature down after the heat from your food raises it. So, it’s best to just let the food cool before putting it away!
For your HVAC and plumbing services, contact Hi-Tech Plumbing, Air & Electrical, Inc. at (561) 220-3107! We are here to help you reach your saving goals!