Start Saving Energy Dollars Today

Energy costs are rising, and if keeping your Raleigh-Durham home’s energy bills in check is a constant struggle, there are a number of ways to conserve natural gas and electricity and start saving energy dollars as soon as today. These tips are guaranteed to slash your energy consumption in all seasons. The more tasks you complete, the higher your savings will be.

Water Heater

Heating water for the home probably accounts for about 18 percent of your annual utility bill. For every 10 degrees you turn down the thermostat, you’ll save 5 percent on your water heating bill. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees, and schedule maintenance on the appliance every two years to increase efficiency and save on water heating costs.

Lighting

Incandescent bulbs burn hot and contribute to higher cooling bills in the summer. Although compact fluorescent lights are more expensive to buy, they burn cooler and use 75 percent less electricity. The lifespan of a CFL is about 10,000 hours, compared to 1,200 for incandescent bulbs. Over the course of its life, a single CFL will save you about $90 and 460 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Air Sealing

Heating and cooling your home accounts for about 50 percent of your annual energy costs. Air leaks exponentially increase your energy bills. Detect and seal air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping and save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling your home.

Don’t forget leaky ductwork, which allow up to 40 percent of conditioned air to escape before it reaches your rooms. Seal loose joints and connections with metal-backed tape or mastic duct sealant.

Maintain Your Furnace and A/C

A poorly maintained HVAC system is up to 40 percent less efficient than a well-maintained one.

• Schedule an annual tune-up to increase system efficiency.
• Inspect your air filter monthly and replace it when it’s dirty.
• Keep the area around your system clean to prevent dust buildup, which reduces efficiency and may cause premature failure of essential components.

For more tips on how you can start saving energy dollars today, please feel free to contact us in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area at Air Experts.