Resolve to Reduce Home Energy Bills and Increase Savings and Comfort
Happy New Year! Resolution time is upon us yet again. Many homeowners are resolving to save money in 2011. One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut home energy usage.
BrightHome Energy Solutions offers seven bright ideas on how to lower home energy bills in 2011, while making the home more comfortable and energy efficient.
1. Schedule a comprehensive home energy audit
Using state-of-the-art technology, BrightHome will evaluate your entire home checking each room for efficiency and safety. BrightHome’s energy consultants will target your home’s problem areas and develop a custom plan to meet your needs and fit your budget.
2. Insulate your home
Insulation is the most effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Insulating your home keeps heat in during the winter, and blocks heat out during the summer to improve comfort and save energy.
3. Clean or replace cooling & heating filters regularly
A clean filter reduces the amount of energy your HVAC system uses to achieve desired temperatures. Brighthome recommends cleaning the filter once a month for best results. If your heating system is old or outdated, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient system. State and federal tax credits can help pay for these equipment upgrades.
4. Reduce your hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
For each 10-degree reduction, you can save between 3-5% in water heating costs. Reducing the water heater temperature also slows mineral build-up and increases the life of your water heater.
5. Seal leaky ducts
Air sealing will make your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently and your home more comfortable. Air sealing will improve your home’s indoor air quality by eliminating dust, airborne pollutants, unwanted drafts entering your living space.
6. Use a programmable thermostat
Establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you are not there or you don’t want it.
7. Turn off electronic equipment when not in use.
Idle electrical currents still use energy and can add up to hundreds of dollars every year. When turning off electronics such as lights, televisions and computers, use a power strip to prevent stand-by mode from drawing idle currents.
This New Year resolve to lower your energy costs. These seven bright ideas are proven to reduce energy bills immediately, increase home comfort and create life-long home energy savings.
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