Top 5 Energy Considerations for New Homeowners

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It’s easy for any new homeowner to feel overwhelmed at their new list of homeowning responsibilities. Even if commercial energy prices are low, a common concern is how to reduce the electric bill. The first step would be to find the cheapest electricity supplier, and the following methods can also help reduce the electric bill.

  1. Insulate. Proper insulation can prevent your house from losing heat. Places to check include the attic, walls, and floors. Make sure to insulate ducts that are in crawl spaces, attics, and other outdoor locations.
  2. Don’t let heat out the flue. Close your fireplace flue if your fireplace is not being used. Heat will go up and out the chimney if the flue is open, and if there is a dying fire the open flue will draw heat out of the house. Another option is to utilize glass doors on the fireplace.
  3. Check on the heating system. Use a professional to do an annual inspection and routine maintenance on your furnace to keep it in tip-top shape. Furnace filters should be replaced at least every three months, especially if there are pets in the house. If a filter is dirty or clogged, it uses more energy and slows the heating process. Proper ventilation of the furnace and hot water heater are essential.
  4. The circle of heat. Once your furnace is at its best, check that the heat is circulating efficiently. Clear registers and heat vents of furniture, drapes, rugs, or anything else that could get in the way. Regularly clean dust out of radiators and registers.
  5. Use dishwasher sparingly. Only wash full loads in the dishwasher. Every wash uses around 15 gallons of hot water, so fill it up to prevent waste. Watch your water if washing dishes by hand, as that could use up to 20 gallons. Save on the drying cycle and let the dishes air-dry. You can use an automatic air-dry switch, or turn of the washer after the final rinse and open the door to dry faster.

These steps are a good start when it comes to reducing your electric bill. Don’t forget to find the cheapest electricity supplier by comparing commercial energy prices. You can use the extra money you’ll save to buy heavy blankets or firewood, and save even more.