Energy-Efficient Appliances
You may wonder whether there is a way to bring down your utility bill but still continue using your home appliances as usual. Good news! Choosing energy efficient product can really help you save. On average, home appliances, such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air purifiers and humidifiers account for 20% of the total utility bill. For example, an old refrigerator uses nearly twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator.
But you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by simply replacing old appliances. Since the electricity rates are keep going up every year, investing in an energy efficient product is what any household needs in order to save money. At first, it may seem like a big expense, and that is because the savings are not readily apparent. But the numbers add up once you have calculated the potential savings in a long run.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy efficient windows, also known as energy “saving windows”, help keeping your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter. They are equipped with greater insulation and designed to seal your home so as to prevent air from escaping your home. By using less energy to run heater or AC you are saving money on utility bill. Finally, you may be eligible for a state tax credit as well as a credit from San Diego Gas & Electric.
Energy-Efficient Insulation
Another often overlooked hack on saving additional 10% on your utility bill is through insulation. Increasing level of insulation provides the necessary proofing for keeping cool or warm air inside the home, which means more efficient energy usage, and, therefore, more savings on utility bills.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats have been gaining popularity over the last couple of years. It works on a plain principle of programming the hours and temperatures for a day so that you don’t have to run your AC nonstop just to keep your home cool or warm by the time you come back from work. Also, it can be remotely controlled from your mobile device.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are a must for each and every home. They saveyou money through its longevity and endurance. In fact, LED lights serve about 50 times longer and requires 4 times less energy than a regular light bulb. They have a wide spectrum of shades and hues. Even though the LED lights are a bit more expensive than the regular light bulbs, they pay for themselves through the savings you will receive in a long run.
As a final word, we should mention that a number of federal, state, and local financial incentive and rebate programs are available to qualified homeowners for energy-efficient home improvements.