5 Ways to Save on an Electric Bill in the Attic and Basement

For most homeowners, the attic and basement of the house are superficial. They aren’t used as living quarters, instead being reserved for storage or going to waste without much use. Even so, your attic and basement offer ample opportunities to refine your household’s energy consumption and ultimately save on an electric bill.

Try these five methods to reduce your total energy consumption and improve efficiency in your home’s attic and basement:

1. Upgrade your major appliances. In your basement, you might have a water heater, washer, dryer, or some other large, bulky appliance that won’t fit elsewhere in your home. One of the easiest ways to save money on electricity is to upgrade these appliances to newer, more energy efficient models.
2. Close vents and doors when not in use. If your attic and basement are largely unattended, keep them closed off from the rest of the house as much as possible by shutting doors to them and closing off any vents that lead to them.
3. Ensure proper insulation. Energy efficient insulation is key to maintaining a modest temperature in a home—otherwise your warmth or cold could escape to the outdoors. The attic and basement are especially susceptible to poor insulation.
4. Keep your attic ventilated in summer. The attic can trap hot air in summer, causing your home to overheat. Keep a window open and a fan running to circulate the hot air out during hot summer months.
5. Install efficient lighting throughout. Since it isn’t a main living area, you might not have changed your lighting in a while. Use energy efficient bulbs in your attic and basement to save money.

With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your attic and basement energy efficient and save money on electricity. For more news and tips on how to reduce your energy consumption, stay tuned to the Star Energy Partners blog!