Learning about energy savings for your home doesn’t happen overnight. But when bills come in that make your eyes pop, it’s time to find practical ways to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint. At Affordable Fixes, we’ve identified five efficient ways to allay energy waste. This article reviews the top energy-saving mistakes homeowners make and ways you can avoid those missteps.
Five Energy Saving Mistakes
Insulation
Don’t overlook the areas in your home where air from outside can leak inside. Drafty, poorly sealed windows are one culprit. Having inadequate insulation for your heating and cooling system is another. Your HVAC works overtime to keep temperatures at an even keel, driving up your bill.
Twice a year (spring and fall), conduct an energy audit around your house. Check the attic, the cellar windows, weather stripping on doors. Also, look at where the wiring and piping enter your home, and, if applicable, the chimney flue. If you know your insulation is old or lacking, it may be worth an upgrade.
HVAC Maintenance
When your house is comfortable, it’s easy to forget to change HVAC filters and to set firm temperatures on your thermostat. That dirty filter makes your HVAC system work double-time. Minimally change them every three months. Consider installing a smart thermostat. You can program it to respond to temperature swings, keeping your home evenly cool or warm. Also, give Affordable Fixes a call to set up an annual service schedule.
Phantom Power Loss
What is phantom power loss? Also called vampire power loss, this occurs when items are plugged in but not in use (e.g., in standby mode or instant-on). Stealthy items that continue to use power can account for up to 10% of your energy bill.
What devices use phantom power?
- Appliances (with clocks or digital displays)
- Chargers: Plugged in, but not in use
- Electronics: Computers, the TV, and gaming consoles
- Home Office Equipment, like printers
So unplug these items when idle. One simple approach is to plug everything into power strips that you can switch off. Some even automatically cut power to inactive devices.
Letting Appliances Age Out
No appliance lasts forever. If an appliance like your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s likely using a lot more energy. You may notice things like the water taking longer to heat up, or your house not cooling as quickly as usual. You can avoid this energy-saving mistake by upgrading. Take your time. Shop around. Look for energy-efficient appliances that suit your lifestyle. It won’t take long before you see a difference in your electric bill.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Remain mindful of how you use your energy. Can you reduce the heater or air conditioner temperature by 2 degrees? Do you adjust your settings when you’re away from home? Close the vents in unused rooms so the air can go elsewhere.
Help When You Need It
You can achieve energy savings in your home, and Affordable Fixes is here to help. If you need an HVAC tune-up, we have five-star service and transparent pricing. When it’s time for something new, we have high-quality equipment at a price you can afford. Additionally, we can offer suggestions on items that can make regulating your system easier, such as smart tech.
You can reach us in three ways:
Our online contact form
Email: info@affordablehvacpa.com and
Telesphone: 215-770-3270
Our estimates are free, and our professionals are happy to answer any questions you may have.
