HVAC systems
When a central heating system is not running in the best shape, it will use a ton of energy. Things like cleaning the fans, vents, and ducts are necessary maintenance tasks. One way to figure out if the furnace is the culprit is to look at energy costs from the winter before and compare them to this years' bills.
If the cost is higher and there is no rate increase, then chances are, your HVAC system may need a thorough cleaning and tune-up. It is also important to note that the cost of energy use is different at different times of the day, depending on demand. By keeping to low-demand times, you can save a lot on your overall energy bill every month.
The water heater
Energy loss through the water heater is a common issue in many homes. One way to address this problem is to use a blanket to insulate the hot water heater. Pipe insulation will further reduce heat transfer keeping the water hotter making it easy to keep the temperature on the tank lower.
The U.S Government says keeping the water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to prevent scalding accidents and reduce energy costs. Of course, you can also save a lot by getting a tankless water heater, as it heats as needed rather than maintaining a whole tank of water at a time.
By going for a new water heater installation service when your unit is over ten years old, you can find a more efficient model saving even more money.
Inefficient lights
Old-fashioned light bulbs can burn a lot of energy. Replacing them with fluorescent ones is a helpful way to avoid excess energy use. To save even more money, homeowners can opt for LED lights.
These lights can last for decades and outshine any other bulb. Replacing all the ones in and outside of the home before winter can prevent bulb blowouts and the need to go outside more often. It is also prudent to keep your lights off when not in use so that your home isn’t needlessly sucking energy and building your monthly costs.
Appliances like the washer and dryer
When your refrigerator, stove, and microwave get old, they can run poorly too. As these systems age, the frayed cords, worn bearings, and slippery belts let the equipment move and wear out faster. To prevent these issues, it is best to replace these items as they begin to break down or you notice a rise in energy bills.
You can test the theory about which piece of equipment is doing the damage by unplugging each item one at a time and checking the electric meter. The one drawing the most power is where to begin investigating.
Winter is hard enough without all the extra bills and problems with equipment breaking down. To prevent these issues, it is a good recommendation to maintain home equipment and systems. When items are past their life expectancy, it might be the best idea to replace it.
