More than a third of Americans are struggling with rising energy costs. But there are simple steps you can take to lower your bills without breaking the bank. From energy audits to smart thermostats, discover how to save money on your next utility bill.
More than a third of Americans are struggling to afford their energy bills, according to a recent study by LendingTree. But rather than dipping into savings, or adding to credit card debt, we found some simple, clear-cut ways to save.Jessica, who asked that we not publish her last name, owns a large older home, with big utility bills. 'In the coolest months, January and February,' she said. 'Our bills are usually $800 per month.
'Energy audit finds leaksShe turned to Jerry Tarantino of Home Energy Services for a home energy audit. Using a heat-sensing gun, Tarantino found leaks around her windows. 'You can see the blue coming in around that,' he said, pointing to a blue outline around the window on his heat gun.RELATED STORY | Need a locksmith? Beware of fly-by-nighters who charge hundreds of extra dollarsHer fireplace also showed up as blue on his heat sensor. 'Even with the damper closed,' he said, 'I have a small gap.'And the blue line was bright and thick under her front door, showing air leaking in under the door. 'You can see it leaching in there,' he said.Tarantino recommended caulking around windows, making sure the fireplace damper is fully shut (when not using it), and adding insulation in the basement ceiling and around the window wells. Even cheaper, he said, is putting a towel under the front door to eliminate any drafts.Thermostats, light bulbs, and other easy fixesOn top of an audit, Wael Kanj with Rewiring America suggests switching to a smart thermostat. 'It gives you greater control over the heating and cooling in your home,' he said.RELATED STORY | Car maintenance mistakes that can cost you big moneyIn the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to around 68 to 70 degrees when you're home and awake, but lowering it while you're out or asleep.Small purchases, like smart lighting or efficient light bulbs, can make a small difference. 'Places where people buy their electricity from might actually have incentives or offer those devices free of charge,' he said.But larger savings can mean larger upfront costs.If you have an appliance on the verge of a breakdown, for example, Kanj says to replace it with an appliance that is Energy Star Certified. Lastly, Kanj says tax credits are available for upgrades like insulation, or replacing windows and doors.That's something homeowner Jessica may be doing in the long term. 'I'm always interested in saving a few extra dollars,' she said. And that way you don't waste your money.__________________________________'Don't Waste Your Money' is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ('Scripps').Follow John:Facebook: John Matarese MoneyInstagram: @johnmataresemoneyX/Twitter: @JohnMatareseFor more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.co
ENERGY BILLS SAVINGS HOME ENERGY AUDIT SMART THERMOSTAT ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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