3 Easy Ways To Reduce Your Energy Costs
Saving money is something that never goes out of style. For the average homeowner, finding ways to trim down expenses is something they strive to do regularly. If you are like most, you may be looking for ways to cut back without compromising on your comfort. Below are 3 easy ways you can reduce your energy costs without suffering through sweltering hot days or chilly nights. By implementing one or more of these options, you will start to see your energy costs going down in no time at all!
Patio Cover
Backyard patios are a wonderful gathering place. If you have a backyard patio that you are particularly fond of, you may be hesitant to build a porch that blocks your view. Luckily, there is an alternative to a permanent porch: an adjustable patio cover. Adjustable patios offer the best of both worlds. They can be extended during when the sun may be pouring in through your back windows, heating up your whole house, or rolled in when you need to use your patio for entertaining or star gazing.
Weather-stripping
If weather-stripping isn't a term you are familiar with, you are going to be glad you are now hearing about it. Weather-stripping is a thin tape made out of rubber, nylon or sponge. It should be applied around the exterior door and window frames of your home. Weather-stripping seals the tiny gap that can sometimes occur between a window or door and its frame. When these tiny gaps are filled, your cool air stays in and the hot air stays out!
Peak Times
Most energy companies have peak operating times, meaning certain times of the day cost more than others to run electricity. There are some things you can't live without and must run during peak energy hours like your lights or computer. However, there are a few things you can work around those pesky peak operating hours, like:
- Washer & dryer - these appliances use copious amounts of energy. If you can, operate them on weekends or off-peak hours to avoid bumping up your energy bill.
- Heating & cooling system - no, you don't have to turn off your heating and cooling system during peak hours. In some climates, that can be very dangerous. If you can, slightly adjust the temperature in your home one or two degrees up or down, depending on the time of year, and watch your bill drop. With minor changes to the temperature, you are unlikely to notice the difference inside your home, but you will notice the difference on your bill.
- Water heater - if you have an electric water heater, try to avoid using water in large amounts. By keeping your water heater from cycling on and off, you will keep it from running up your electricity usage.
Saving on your electrical bill doesn't have to be painful or difficult. By investing in an adjustable back patio, you will keep the sun from warming up your home without interrupting the backyard setting. By adding weather-stripping to fill in any gaps that may be letting air into or out of your home and adjusting appliance usage during peak hours, you will save yourself big in the long run. After you implement these strategies, your bank account will thank you! (For more information, go to http://www.apolloopeningroof.com)