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Being energey efficient at home is a great way to not only help the environment, but also to help lower your utility bills every month. You can save quite a bit of money by simply adopting a few measures and making some changes at home.
Inflation is driving up the cost of items in our everyday lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices had the largest single-year increase in 40 years. Energy prices were up 27% year-over-year.
By improving energy efficiency at home, you can lower your utility bills by up to 25% and save money on taxes with certain features at home.
Whether it’s warmer out and you need to crank the AC or ceiling fans, or it’s cooler out and you want to fire up the furnace or gas fireplace, consider the following tips to being energy efficient at home.
Get new air filters for your central heating and cooling. The filters get clogged and it takes more and more energy to keep your house warm. Be sure to clear out any dust bunnies or cobwebs from behind the filter. Use a vacuum if necessary.
Today’s modern appliances use up a lot less energy than older models. Depending on how many and type of appliances you have, you save as much as 20% to 50% on your monthly energy bills with appliances that are more energy efficient.
Heat rises, and if your attic is not adequately insulated, then your central heating system will be stuck sending all your hot air (and your heating bill) straight through the roof. There are three options for attic insulation: roll on insulation, spray on insulation, or polyurethane foam. Roll on insulation is the best option for the do-it-yourselfers out there, but you might consider using polyurethane foam if you plan to turn that attic space into a bedroom.
Cold air is constantly sneaking into your house through the cracks in your window. Use temporary silicone caulk to seal up your windows during the winter. When you’re ready to open them up again in the spring, the silicone caulk will crack right off without damaging the paint.
By harnessing the natural energy of the sun, you can use solar panels to power up your home to some degree. Since you’re not relying as much on electricity and gas, you can significantly slash your energy bills with the installation of solar panels. Plus, solar energy is a renewable source of energy.
Wrapping your pipes will insulate them from the cold to prevent freezing, as well as saving you money on energy bills. Use a special insulation sleeve from the hardware store or do it the old fashioned way with heat tape. This is especially important if you have pipes in a crawlspace or basement that isn’t insulated.
You don’t have to buy special panels to take advantage of solar power. Open the curtains on south-facing windows, and heat up your house the natural way. With the sun’s help, you won’t need to bump your thermostat up as often.
Don’t be afraid to turn your thermostat down a little bit. If you’re leaving the house for a while, bump it down a few degrees and give your system a rest. Try throwing an extra blanket on the bed and dropping a few degrees before bed. You’ll only see a difference on your bill. You might try a programmable thermostat as well!
Now that it’s getting cold, you can finally make some hot chocolate and put on your brand new coat, but you shouldn’t have to wear it inside. With these easy tips you can learn to keep your house warm without having to crank up the thermostat.
Do you have questions about home loans or obtaining a mortgage before you start the home shopping proces? Or are you simply ready to apply for a mortgage to buy a home? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company from Bellevue, Washington, serving the entire state, as well as Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We offer many mortgage programs to buyers all over the Pacific Northwest and have been doing so since 1992. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.