Saving money is always a priority for everyone. While some people like to splurge their savings on luxuries, others prefer to put money away for a rainy day. When it comes to home improvement projects, many people prefer to do things cheaply and simply because they don’t want to waste their time. Being able to save money on energy is a major incentive to undertake home improvements, so it’s not surprising that there’s already a popular trend of saving money on solar energy among homeowners. If you’re interested in saving money on your energy bills, there are several approaches you can take, all of which can be done with DIY skills you already have. We’ve compiled a list of tricks and shortcuts that will help you to save as much money as possible on your energy consumption, so you can finally have that luxurious bathtub you always wanted.
Sign Up For The Energy Savers Program
One of the simplest and most effective ways to save money on your solar energy is to join the Energy Savers program offered by your local utility company. Just visit their website and click on the link for your area. Then, enter your contact information, and you’ll receive a welcome email shortly afterward containing more information about the program and how to save energy. Some utilities will even send a representative to walk you through the steps to set up automated bill payments so you can avoid any confusion about when your next payment is coming due.
Install Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is a device that can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home according to the seasons and how long you’ve been away. A study by the National Association of Homebuilders found that having a programmable thermostat can reduce your energy consumption by 10 to 20 percent. If you’ve been paying too much for energy, this is definitely an upgrade you can’t afford to miss out on.
Upgrade Your Lighting
If you’ve been putting up with dimmer lighting for years, it’s time for an upgrade. While many home improvement projects don’t involve too much money, upgrading your lighting is a sure way to save a decent chunk of change. There are several different ways you can do this, but the most traditional route is to replace the whole lightbulb with an energy-efficient LED one. This will cost you about $20, but it’ll pay for itself over time.
Change Your Air Filter
Frequent air changes can significantly decrease the energy consumption of your home. Allowing dust to settle before re-cleaning the air will help reduce the amount of energy your A/C uses. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to clean the air inside your house, and you’ll notice an improvement in both smell and energy savings. Replacing your air filter is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to save energy, but it also has the potential to yield the most impressive results.
Consider An Energy Efficient Water Heater
As the name implies, a water heater is designed to keep water at the right temperature for your showers and baths. However, the majority of water heaters sold today are extremely inefficient, and this is primarily because they don’t take energy efficiency into consideration. If you’ve been putting up with sub-par water heater performance, it’s time for a change. Thankfully, there are several options available on the market that consider energy efficiency and cost effective.
Consult With A Professional
No one’s an expert in every subject, and energy is no different. If you’re not comfortable doing things yourself, there are people who specialize in home improvements who can help you to save money and get the most out of your solar power. Having a professional walk you through the options available will cost you money, but it’ll be money well spent. If you find that there are multiple ways to optimize your home’s energy consumption, hiring an expert is the way to go.
Consider Alternative Energy Sources
While many people are turning to solar energy to help them save money, it’s far from the only option available. If you’re still reliant on traditional energy sources such as coal or gas, it’s time for an alternative. Weatherproof homes are practical and safe alternatives that can be used to generate energy, and many homeowners are choosing these over traditional sources due to the economic incentives and renewable energy certificates these houses produce. As more and more individuals turn to renewables to help reduce their carbon footprint, the demand for these homes will increase, creating a lucrative market for construction and interior designers who specialize in energy-efficient builds.
Put A Few Of These Upgrades Together
As we’ve established, home improvements can help to reduce your energy consumption, but they don’t always have to. If you’re using some of the tricks and shortcuts discussed here, you might be able to reduce your energy bill by enough to pay for that new bathroom fixture you’ve had your eyes on. One of the best things about these improvements is how cost effective they can be when put together. Installing a programmable thermostat and some good old-fashioned insulation are some of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy. For about $60, you can reduce your energy usage by about 40 percent. Just remember, it takes time for these changes to start showing results. For best results, it’s recommended that you invest in at least two of these options so you can start reaping the benefits.