Fall brings with it many wonderful things—not the least of which is pumpkin pie. But there’s a price for those crisp autumn days and colorful foliage. Falling temperatures mean rising energy costs. Luckily, there are steps you can take for a lower power bill.
There are few joys greater than curling up beside the fire on a cold night. But fireplaces aren’t the best for your budget when it comes to energy costs. They don’t actually produce enough heat to warm the entire home. The chimney also funnels cold air inside, which your heating system will need to work harder to deal with.
Make sure that you stay on top of furnace maintenance. It’s better to fix a small issue now than wait until the heat goes out on a cold night. Make sure that you chance your air filters regularly. Did you know that you can expect up to a 15 percent lower power bill if you change filters every 1-2 months?
Smart thermostats can save a huge amount of energy in your home. In fact, the Nest Learning Thermostat promises to save up to 12 percent on your heating bill each year. Smart thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day so that you don’t have to remember to turn the heat up or down. Many of the thermostats can be controlled by an app on your phone, too!
If your home has gaps around windows, the attic, chimney, or basement, then you’re paying to heat the outdoors. Hire a pro to assess your home if you suspect major issues. Otherwise, use caulking to seal up any minor gaps you notice.
Most of us don’t know much about refrigerators. Either the food stays cold or it doesn’t. But there’s a cost difference between a fridge that’s running at peak performance and one that needs a tune-up.
For example, if your freezer has more than a quarter-inch of ice inside, it needs to be defrosted to work properly. You should also check the seals for both fridge and freezer. Place a dollar bill across the inside of the door so that half is hanging outside. Close the door and then try to pull the bill out. If it slides out with little effort, you may need to get the latch and seals checked.
