Winter is right around the corner and that means your home’s utility bill is about to rise. Keeping your home warm during the winter months can drain your bank account if you are not careful. Luckily, there are several things that Alpharetta residents can do to reduce energy use and keep your monthly energy bills low. Here are a few of them.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you do not have a programmable thermostat installed inside your home, now is an excellent time to make the upgrade. This type of thermostat allows you to set a schedule for your home’s temperature. You can keep your house at a lower temperature when you are away or sleeping without manually adjusting it. Simply reducing your home by a few degrees each day while you are at work or throughout the night can make a difference on your monthly bill.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose a high-end, expensive model to reap the benefits of this device. Also, if you have a programmable thermostat installed in your home, it is a great selling perk and a feature that many homebuyers desire.
Determine Where Energy is Escaping From Your House
Where could you make repairs and upgrades to improve the energy-efficiency of your property? By scheduling an energy audit, you will have a professional come to your house and do a full evaluation of your property. He or she can tell you where you are losing energy, what repairs and upgrades to consider, and how you can save money each month. This evaluation does not take much time and it is typically free or costs very little.
Service Your Furnace
When was the last time your furnace was serviced? When this device is not working at its best, it can consume a significant amount of energy. At least once a year, hire a professional to service this product, replace the filters, etc. This is a simple way to decrease your utility bills and it will increase the lifespan of the furnace as well.
If your furnace is old or has many issues, it may be time to replace the device. Many new items provide impressive energy-efficient features. Plus, with a new product, you are less likely to have heating issues in the middle of the winter.
Use Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your home, don’t be afraid to use it. A fireplace, particularly a wood-burning stove, is a terrific way to heat an area of your home without a high price tag. Just make sure that if you haven’t used your fireplace for some time that you hire a professional to clean and inspect the chimney. Also, when you are not using the fireplace, close the damper to prevent your hot air from escaping your home.
By paying attention to your home’s utility bill and making necessary repairs, upgrades, and changes to your lifestyle, you can drop this monthly expense. Your home and your bank account will thank you.