Now more than ever, folks are looking for extra ways to save on their home energy bills. From doubling up on blankets and sweaters in the winter to using electric fans and adding extra insulation in the summer, there are scads of tips and tricks that homeowners can use to reduce their energy bills. Opting for more energy-efficient forms of heating such as a heat pump installation might also be something to consider too. Visiting somewhere like www.callthegeneral.com/heat-pump-installation/ could be a good starting point for this!

Here are five of the best.

1. Carry out a home energy audit

Before you start making any tweaks to your home energy ecosystem on your own, it’s a good idea to run a home energy audit. Many local companies will offer this service at little to no cost, and there are even online tools to help you carry out an audit on your own. Once you have a comprehensive energy audit in hand, you’ll be able to direct your attention to the areas of your home that need it most. If you have noticed that your air conditioning unit is not working to full capacity, you may need to get it looked at as this can drive up your energy bills by working overtime. There are some highly recommended AC Service in Broward County that can be looked into, otherwise, it would be best to check your local area for professionals that can come to your home to see how they can help you.

2. Utilize small appliances

Large appliances like ovens and countertop ranges tend to pull a tremendous amount of electricity in order to operate. Instead of turning to your oven or stove to cook and reheat meals, try to use smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens. These smaller appliances use far less energy and can usually perform just as well as their larger counterparts.

3. Switch to LED bulbs

You’ve probably already heard some of the buzz surrounding LED lighting. LED bulbs, while more expensive than traditional incandescents or fluorescents, have an incredibly long lifespan and are highly efficient. If you have the budget to invest in new LED bulbs for your home, then the return on investment is well worth the cost. Or, if you’re on a limited budget, simply replace bulbs with LED alternatives one-at-a-time as your old bulbs burn out.

4. Set your water heater to its optimal temperature

Your home’s water heater is probably an appliance probably you haven’t adjusted since it was installed. However, letting it run unchecked can run up your bill unnecessarily. If your water heater is set above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, then you’re likely wasting energy. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature to provide water as hot as you’ll ever need (while also warding off nasty bacteria) without wasting energy. If your water heater is showing signs of wear and tear, that too can add to the rise in your bills as it will be using more energy, if this is the case then you will want to check out water heater sales to see which would be best for your home and bills.

5. Don’t forget your windows

One of the biggest sources of energy savings of all is probably hiding right underneath your nose – your windows.

Your windows are the number one part of your home that can increase energy savings. Whether you’re fortifying existing windows to prevent leaks or replacing your home’s windows with more energy efficient alternatives altogether, giving a little extra attention to this linchpin in home energy savings can go a long way toward lowering your energy bills.

No matter the season, ensuring that your windows are up to snuff can pay you back big time in the long run. And in addition to installing quality, energy efficient windows, or repairing your existing ones, there are several other window-centric energy savings strategies you can use to keep your home comfortable and keep your wallet a little fatter.

Find out how to make sure energy costs aren’t slipping out through your windows in the graphic below.

Graphic provided courtesy of Purely Shutters: How to Stop Energy Costs from Sneaking out Your Windows