The only thing rising in this weather is your home’s energy bills. Below, we outline a few easy ways to green your home and lower your monthly utility bills.
Inspect the home
First, consider hiring a home inspector who specializes in energy efficiency. The inspector can pinpoint spots with thin insulation or drafts. You can easily seal these with caulk or a special sealing kit to drastically reduce the amount of heat that is escaping the house.
Get a smarter thermostat
Next, install a programmable thermostat and set it to cool during the day, or at later at night when everyone is asleep. Of course, you can also do this manually as you leave for work or go to bed. Homeowners who strategically lower their home temperature have been found to save up to 15 percent on energy costs in the winter months.
Revamp your laundry routine
You may also find yourself doing more laundry in the winter, due to the many layers you’re wearing to keep warm. To keep energy bills low, wash your laundry in cold water and be sure to clean out the lint remover after each dryer cycle.
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