A comfortable home or office is exciting. However, heating it will cost you money. According to the stats, heating accounts for over 43% of your office’s utility bills. HVAC systems, on average, account for 8% of utility bills. Several factors cause energy bills to soar. For instance, the wrong energy supplier can cause the bills to rise. Compare rates from different suppliers at https://businessenergycomparison.com/ before switching. Here are the top mistakes that are sending the utility bills soaring.
Mistakes that increase your energy bills
Not programming the thermostat
Reprogram your thermostat. Reducing its temperature slights can be highly beneficial. It can reduce your home’s energy consumption and substantially lower energy bills. According to research, adjusting your thermostat temperatures by about seven degrees can help you save 10% a year on your overall energy costs.
Washing your clothes with hot water
Avoid using hot water for your laundry. You can conveniently clean your laundry loads with cold water. Not only will this cut down your energy consumption but it’ll also save you money.
Using old lightbulbs
Get rid of those old fixtures. LED lightbulbs are designed to be long-lasting and energy efficient. Energy-rated LEDs utilise 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. Plus, they last longer than other forms of lighting. Opting for these lighting bulbs can positively impact your energy savings.
Not shrinking up your windows
Don’t forget to ‘shrink wrap’ your windows. Inefficient windows can allow excessive amounts of cold air to sip in or warm air to escape out of your home. Heat loss through windows is responsible for about 30% of residential heating energy use.
As such, you should consider installing window film or thermal-lined draperies. Whether you need to keep your home hot or cold, you’ll always find appropriate wrapping materials.
Wrong water heater setting
Using hot water every time can be very costly. Plus, keeping your thermostat temperatures too high can even be more dangerous. It can dramatically increase your energy use and even break your bank.
Not addressing cracks and leaks
Get rid of all cracks or leaks. Many places can allow cold air to seep into your house. And this won’t just make your home uncomfortable but it’ll also make it less energy efficient.
As such, you need to inspect your home’s interior and exterior carefully. Pay close attention to the windows, doors, chimneys, electric outlets, and furnace flues. If you spot any leaks, be sure to fill them immediately.
Not insulating the attic door
Make sure that your attic is well-insulated. Add insulating material to the inside door to prevent unnecessary heal loss. This will keep your living space warm and comfortable.
Aside from that, you also need to be mindful of how you use your fireplace. You can enjoy the fireplace, but close the damper once you’re done using it. Leaving it open will allow heat to escape up the chimney quickly.
Dirty air filters
Invest in an efficient HVAC system. Change the air filters regularly. And carry out regular maintenance on your air conditioning unit. This will ensure that your air conditioner delivers optimal performance, lowering energy bills.
Not insulating your water heater
It’s always imperative to ensure that your water heater is well-insulated. Wrap your water heaters inside an insulating jacket to prevent heat loss. The procedure is simple, quick, and affordable. Don’t forget to insulate the hot water pipes as well.
Ignoring weatherstripping
Make sure that you’ve installed weatherstripping around your windows and doors. This will prevent chilly leaks from entering your home during summer. Plus, it’ll help in keeping hot air in during winter.
Failing to seal heat ducts
Make plans to seal those air ducts. Ducts can allow heat to escape. Consider conducting minor duct repairs. Use a qualified professional to seal the ducts. Use the right sealing material. Follow all the steps when sealing the heat ducts. Doing this can save you a substantial amount of energy.
Failing to insulate the basement
An uninsulated basement can waste up to 30% of heat. Preventing this heat loss will save you a lot of money. Ensure that the basement is insulated properly. Similarly, employ a professional to insulate your basement. Insulate the basement ceiling. You can also insulate the walls.
Ignoring electrical outlets
Did you know that electrical outlets can leak air? Well, it’s a fact. Watch out for electrical outlets such as switches, boxes, etc. Insulating these outlets will eliminate air leaks.
Consider adding pre-made foam-based gaskets. Be sure to get the measurement right before purchasing your electrical outlets. They should fit perfectly to protect your spaces from air leaks.
Not inspecting condensation lines
Don’t forget the pipe carrying condensation from the air conditioner. It should not get clogged. A clogged pipe will back up into your house via the air conditioner. This can cause a lot of problems.
Consider locating the pipe. Inspect it to establish if it’s draining properly. Clean the lines. Hire an expert to fix any issue. This can reduce your utility bills and help you save a lot of energy.
Not cleaning outdoor air units
Debris can mess up your air conditioner. Thus, ensure that your air conditioner is free from debris and dirt. An efficient air conditioner uses less energy to create comfortable interiors. Ensure that your A/C is functioning optimally.
Check it during summer. Don’t neglect it. Call an expert to clean it properly. Remove any plant that blocks your unit.
Dirty air conditioner fins
Clean the fins to help your A/C unit to function optimally. Clean them from the outside. Get rid of the debris. Ensure that there is no dust around the fins. This will optimise the efficiency of your system, helping you save a lot of money.
Choosing the wrong energy supplier
Choosing the wrong energy supplier can cost you. Inaccurate bills can increase the cost of energy in your home or office. At the same time, delayed bills can expose you to more debts. Thus, switch to the right energy supplier. Chose a reliable energy supplier.
The bottom line
Inefficient appliances can increase your utility bills. Old bulbs can also increase your utility bills. Thus, look for energy-efficient solutions. Replace old bulbs with LED-based lighting fixtures. Wash your clothes when the washing machine is in full load. Take advantage of natural lighting. Open the windows. Don’t make the above mistakes if you want to save more energy.
Featured image: Siân Wynn-Jones/Unsplash
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