How to Save Money on Energy Costs at Home

Are you looking for new ways to save money around the house? Using energy more efficiently in your home is one of the best ways to save on monthly home costs. Saving energy may seem like a hassle, but the truth is that there are many ways that you can reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly energy costs without sacrificing your comfort. Below are just a few thrifty (or free!) ways that you can save energy and money in your home:

Seal air leaks.

You are wasting energy every time warm or cool air escapes from your home through tiny cracks, gaps, and openings around your windows, doors, wiring, and plumbing. Though a small leak may not seem like a big deal, if you add up all the air leaks around your home, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars on energy costs. Sealing air leaks will require a small investment of about $30 to $50 for materials, but it will help you save 10 percent or more on your monthly heating and cooling costs, which will pay itself back within 6 months to a year.

Reduce heat when washing clothes.

Did you know that heating the water accounts for 90% of the energy that the washing machine is using? Think about whether you need to use hot water when washing your clothes. Turning on the cold for the majority of your clothes loads will help you save a lot of money on energy costs over time. Not to mention, washing your clothes in cold water doesn’t allow colors to run as easily, so you don’t have to separate lights and darks, saving you a little time and hassle.

Load your dishwasher efficiently.

The way that you load your dishwasher can also impact your energy costs over time. Be sure to pre-wash any dishes that have stuck on pieces of food. Load plates on the bottom rack, facing the center of the dishwasher. Place utensils with the handle at the bottom in the dedicated area on the bottom rack. Then, place bowls and cups on the top row, facing downward. This is the most efficient way to load your dishes into the dishwasher to ensure that they are getting the right amount of water to get them clean the first time around.

Get a pre-winter HVAC tune-up.

Now is the time of year when you should be getting a pre-winter tune-up on your HVAC system. The tune-up will help ensure that your system is clean and running smoothly. Not only will this help you save money by identifying any issues before they get worse, but it will also help you stay comfortable throughout the year. Hiring an experienced HVAC technician for your fall tune-up also requires an investment. However, a tune-up can help you save up to 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs, and it only takes one to pay for itself.

These may seem like small changes, but at the end of the year, they can add up to big savings. If you’re looking for more ways to save energy and money in your home, you might also consider installing an energy-efficient HVAC system. Heating and cooling your home year-round takes a lot of energy. If you want to save more over time, an energy-efficient HVAC model might be the answer, especially if your system is old and outdated.

Call the HVAC experts at Amber Air Conditioning Inc. today to find out which energy-efficient HVAC system is right for your home: (951) 674-6974.