Energy-conscious consumers can save lots of money on utility bills and reduce their impact on the planet by making a few changes around the house. Utilities are usually the biggest monthly expense behind rent and groceries, so savings here can really add up through the year. If you live in an area with extreme temperature shifts between seasons, you may experience utility bills that rise in those summer or winter months. Making these easy adjustments to your home will reduce how much you have to spend on heating your home.
Use the Sun as Much as You Can.
Any south facing windows in your home should be opened to allow the sun in on winter days. Opening windows allows the sunshine into your home to heat your home for free. Blackout curtains over these windows will keep the cold out at night, so consider using heavy curtains to keep the heat on the inside at night.
Bundle Up
One of the best ways to save on utilities is by not using them at all. Instead of turning the heat up to a comfortable temperature, consider bundling up with extra clothes. A sweater, warm socks, and a blanket can do much to keep you warm. If your home has hardwood floors, consider adding an area rug to help keep warmth in the room.
Use Ceiling Fans in Your Home.
Homes with good ventilation and airflow typically also have ceiling fans in each room. These fans can be used to regulate temperature in both the summer and the winter. Counter-clockwise flow will push hot air up in the summer, while clockwise will push heat down in the winter. Change the settings on your ceiling fan according to the summer to help regulate the temperature in your home better.
Only Heat the Rooms You Use.
If you have rooms in your home that you don’t use, consider sealing off the vents to be more energy efficient. Even in between trying to get to upstairs to a different level, home elevators specialists such as Stiltz feature energy-efficient lifts that don’t need to be heated or cooled in the winter. If you have large storage rooms or guest rooms, consider using a space heater in the rooms you occupy.
Get a Humidifier to Help with Dry Air.
Dry air doesn’t hold heat as well, so adding a humidifier to your home can help you feel more comfortable. Moist air holds heat better and allows you to set the thermostat lower while still feeling comfortable. If you have low humidity in your apartment or home, you can add a few plants to help increase it.
Properly Insulate Your Home.
If you live in an older home, you may not have very good insulation. Proper insulation can keep heat in and save you from spending tons on energy bills in the winter. Weather stripping for doors and windows are another cheap idea for insulation that doesn’t require a complete home makeover. Properly insulating your home elevator will also help with energy costs.
