While the summer brings sunshine and longer days, it also brings heat and humidity. You may find that your utility bills quickly become out of control. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your energy usage in order to protect your budget and finance plan.
Insulate Your Windows
You may be surprised to know how much your windows cost you each season. Not just in the winter but in summer, too. You can lose as much as 25% to 30% of your inside air through a drafty window, according to the Department of Energy. There are a number of ways you can insulate your windows. A great option is a draft stopper. These are cloth tubes that are filled with a material that prevents cool air from leaking out and hot air from getting in. A draft stopper doesn’t block the window or stop you from opening it. It’s also an affordable option that doesn’t negatively impact your budget.
If you notice there are cracks around the seal of your window, a draft stopper may not completely stop cool air from leaking. You may need to reseal your windows with caulk or a sealant to fill in the crack.
Fix Dripping Sinks
About 10% of all homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, according to the EPA. If you are living with a dripping sink, you are pouring money down the drain. When you fix a small leak early, you can save about 10% on your energy bill, according to ComfyLiving. Consider reaching out to your local plumber to have the problem fixed. If you’re unable to afford a plumber at the time that you notice the leak, a hose clamp may be able to provide some wiggle room until you can hire a professional.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
If you have a home office, you may be used to keeping your electronics plugged in. Employees alone print up to 10,000 pages a year on average. However, if you’re leaving your printer, desktop, laptop, and smartphone plugged in throughout the day when these items aren’t in use, you could be wasting electricity. Electricity continues to feed into a charger even when it isn’t in use, creating “energy vampires” around your home. That said, make sure that you unplug any devices when they’re not in use in order to cut costs.
Reduce Cooling
It may be a surprise to you to learn that your air conditioner is responsible for more than 15% of your electric use. If you increase the temperature setting on your air conditioner by a couple of degrees, you could save as much as 10% on your energy bills. In addition, if you live in an area where the nights are cooler, you can open your windows and use fans to pull in the cool air.
When working from home, you only need to cool the room where you’re working. You can use a fan to help lower the temperature. You can increase the temperature in all the rooms to help reduce utility costs. To ensure your air conditioner works optimally, you should clean or replace the air filters to help it work effectively and circulate air properly.
These tips can help reduce the amount you pay each month for your utility bills. When you lower these costs, you can stick to your finance and budget plan.
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