With home heating costs expected to rise this winter by an average of 10.5% from last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), now is the time to find ways to lower energy bills.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Average cost: $100 to $200
Keeping your house at a desirable temperature, especially when no one is home, can lower your winter heating bills by up to $100 a year when using an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat. That’s because according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, on average, 52% of a household’s annual energy consumption is from two sources: space heating and air conditioning. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, every one degree you lower your thermostat during times when you are sleeping or away saves you 1% on your energy bill.
Ranging in price from $100 to $200, smart thermostats connect to your smartphone through Wi-Fi and help you control home temps while you’re away. They also allow you to program heating and cooling, and do things like learn your preferred settings for various times or days and detect when doors or windows are left open so they can shut down to save money.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Average cost: $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot
It’s simple thermodynamics: heat moves from warmer areas to colder ones. So, whether the goal is to keep that heat inside in the winter, or outside in the summer, insulation is a critical factor. And while this improvement isn’t the cheapest upgrade you can do, it’s one of the most impactful and DIY is an option.
The cost depends heavily on the size and location of your home, and what type of insulation you choose. However, Forbes Home estimates the average cost to be between $1.50 to $5 per square foot. Some insulation types, such as batt/roll insulation can be as low as $0.65 per square foot. This is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills this winter. Plus, you’ll be a lot more comfortable, which is always a nice bonus.
Replace Weather Stripping
Average cost: $130 to $470
If you’re going to the time, trouble and cost of installing new insulation and a smart thermostat, don’t stop there. Make sure gaps around doors and windows don’t defeat all your hard work. Especially since, relatively speaking, this is one of the less expensive winter upgrades you can make.
For an average home, expect to pay between $130 and $470, according to HomeGuide.com. The final price will depend on materials, the number of doors and windows and the size of the gaps, but count on about $5 to $10 per window and between $35 and $90 per door.
Install Ceiling Fans
Average cost: $70 to $200 per fan
At first blush, this might seem counterintuitive. But here’s the science: Hot air rises, so when you heat your home, the warmer air naturally accumulates toward the ceiling. But by installing fans which can reverse the rotation of their blades, you help draw the cool air up and force the warm air down. This provides a more regulated and comfortable temperature in your home.
According to many sources, installing ceiling fans and employing this technique can lower energy bills by up to 15%. At the very least you will be more comfortable thanks to this affordable improvement.
Replace Old Light Bulbs
Average cost: $2.50 to $5 per bulb
Winter is darker. Hence, you probably keep the lights on for more hours out of the day. And while replacing incandescent bulbs with certified Energy Star LED light bulbs won’t make a huge difference, it’s a low-cost way to lower your energy bill. For a little more per bulb, these use 90% less energy and last about 15 times longer than standard bulbs.
According to the Energy Star website, using these bulbs in your five most-used light fixtures can save you about $40 a year in energy costs. Not tropical vacation money, but every dollar helps.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Average cost: $30
If you have an electric water heater, insulating it could save you anywhere from 7% to 16% in water heating costs and pay for itself within a year. This is because using a prefabricated water heater blanket can reduce heat loss from the tank by 25% to 45%.
If you have a gas water heater, according to the the Department of Energy most experts say that heat is mostly lost through the flue, so a blanket insulator will not have much positive effect. In fact, done improperly, it could result in a fire hazard. But, for electric water heater owners out there, this upgrade should only cost about $30.
Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes
Average cost: $10 to $15
Now that your hot water heater is sorted and efficient, don’t let the savings radiate away on the way to your shower or faucets. According to the Department of Energy, insulating your hot water pipes can save you 3% to 4% in energy costs annually. All for a mere $10 to $15 initial investment.
In addition, hot water pipe insulation lowers heat loss enough to increase the temperature of the water by two to four degrees Fahrenheit. It also reduces the time you’ll have to wait for the water to get warm at the shower or faucet head. That’s a toasty win-win.
Source: msn.com ~ by Terence Loose ~ Invoice: Canva Pro