As energy rates continue to rise, you may be on the lookout for ways to cut back your usage and save money. Even though big investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-efficiency HVAC systems absolutely make your home more energy efficient, you can lower energy costs today with little to no up-front investment. Here’s how you do that.

1. Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter monthly and swap it out when it looks dirty, or every three months, whichever comes first. The cost of a new filter can be recouped by encouraging efficiency, guaranteeing proper airflow, and preventing the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home should feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a fresh filter in place.

2. Change Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Keep the temperature around 70 degrees or cooler through the winter and adjust it to 77 degrees or warmer over the summer. Then, dress for the season to help you stay comfortable.

3. Put in a Programmable Thermostat

If you're still using an old manual thermostat, upgrade to a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly in energy savings by enabling you to program setback schedules while you’re away or sleeping. Automatic temperature recovery means you lower costs without ever losing your sense of comfort. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can program remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Implement Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers an excellent return on investment. First of all, it pays you back by lowering your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system performs better than a poorly maintained one. You also lessen the risk of malfunctions and the necessary repair costs. In addition, the system is bound to run for a few years more when you keep up with maintenance today.

5. Find and Resolve Air Leaks

Air leaks can form wherever two building materials are connected. Locate and fix these leaks to keep your home comfortable and minimize the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a couple of tips:

Remove and replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors close more tightly.
Re-caulk any cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
Apply expanding spray foam near wiring, plumbing, ductwork, and other penetrations in your home's walls, ceilings and floors.
Close the fireplace damper whenever a fire isn’t lit.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit

through the summer, you should try to block solar heat gain. Closing reflective curtains over the windows in the afternoon is an easy way to handle this. If your budget allows, you can also try to plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By selecting deciduous trees, you can enjoy a source of shade over the summer while still helping the sun to heat your home for free throughout the winter.

7. Manage Your Water Use

Conserve this important resource and save on your water bills with these tips:

Take shorter showers rather than long baths.
Put in low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
Shut off the water when you're shaving and brushing your teeth.
Repair drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes as soon as possible.

8. Turn Things Off

Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can turn them off with the flip of a switch when they aren't being used. While you're at it, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when you don't need them to minimize small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption.

9. Replace Your Light Bulbs

Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? Exchange them for LEDs to save as much as 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decline because LEDs live about 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

10. Operate Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the electricity hogs of the home. Conserve energy with any of these tips:

Close windows and doors when starting the furnace or air conditioner.
Adjust the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and install an insulating blanket.
Only Operate the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Don't use the heated-dry function on your dishwasher.
Line-dry clothes when possible.
Heat up food in the microwave as opposed to the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.
If your local utility provider charges more for electricity around “peak times,” try to use your appliances during low-peak periods.

Get Help Reducing Home Energy Costs

Lots of cost-cutting measures relate directly to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help applying these tips, get in touch with Service Experts. We provide affordable maintenance and repair support, as well as cost-effective installation and replacement services. In addition, with financing options available, even big-ticket upgrades will match your budget. For more information about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts office today.