In today’s world, we are constantly thinking of ways to save and make our money go further. Whether you live alone in an apartment or with a houseful of roommates, energy bills can be a financial strain for all of us at some point.
Thankfully, there are several energy broker solutions to help you reduce your energy expenses and save on your monthly bills. Here is a comprehensive guide to saving energy bills that will assist you no matter what kind of energy user you are.
Turn off your heating/air conditioning when you’re not home
If you are regularly leaving your heating or air conditioning on even when you are not home, you are probably wasting a lot of money. Many people do this without even realizing it, as it is something we get into the habit of doing. If you keep your HVAC system on when it is not needed, you are simply increasing your energy bills for no reason at all. You can use energy broker software to know the rate of your energy usage. It may seem like a small thing, but by turning off your heating or air conditioning when you are not at home, you can save a fair amount of money each month. You may also want to try indoor plants as a way to reduce the temperature in your home. Certain plants, like palms and ficus, naturally produce compounds that can work as air conditioners.
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great way to save on energy costs, but many people do not have them installed. If you have not yet done so, installing a programmable thermostat as an energy broker platform can save you a good amount of money every month. Programmable thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home or apartment automatically.
What can energy broker software does
They can be set to change the temperature at certain times during the day, or when you are away from home. It is advised you program these devices when you are not at home, as they are best used to keep energy costs down when there is nobody in the house to adjust the settings.
These devices can be controlled remotely, meaning you can change the temperature wherever you are in the world. This can be done through an app, so you don’t even need to be at your home to change the settings.
Change out your light bulbs
While this may be an obvious one, it is still worth mentioning. Many homes still use incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs consume a lot of energy and are not as efficient as other kinds of bulbs. While there is an argument that switching to light bulbs that cost more is not worth it, energy brokerage software helps you consider the amount you are saving in energy bills as a result, it is clear you are coming out on top. You can expect to save around $100 per year for every 10 light bulbs you switch out. You can also use energy-saving light bulbs in your fixtures. There are several types of energy-saving bulbs that can be used in a wide range of fixtures. Incandescent bulbs are not recommended for use in fixtures, as they are not as energy efficient as other bulbs.
Lower the temperature on your water heater
Most of us do not give our water heaters much thought, but they do account for a fair amount of energy being consumed in the home. Water heaters are responsible for 30% of your energy bill. While it is not possible to completely eliminate the cost of using a water heater, you can reduce it by lowering the temperature from the recommended setting. Most people keep their water at a setting of 150 degrees.
This is a very high temperature for a water heater and is not necessary for cleaning your body. You can lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees or less, and save a good amount of money. You may notice that your water takes a little longer to heat up, but this is something you can easily get used to. Even you may even be able to save more money by installing a tankless water heater.
Seal air leaks in your home and install insulation
One of the biggest factors affecting a home’s energy efficiency is insulation. If your home has little to no insulation, it is going to cost you a lot of money to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can save a significant amount of money each year by installing insulation in your home. There are many ways to do this, and it is recommended you use the services of a professional for the best outcome. While it is possible to install insulation by yourself, it is advised that you do not, as it is a very dangerous and tricky task.
Utilize solar panels or a renewable energy source
If you are serious about saving money and reducing your carbon footprint, you should consider using solar panels or a renewable energy source. Solar panels are a great investment, as you will see a return on your investment relatively quickly. You will need to factor in the cost of installing solar panels, but most people find they are able to break even within five years. After that, you will be saving money each month. There are other, cheaper renewable energy sources. You can use a wood-burning stove instead of a gas-fired furnace, or you can use a geothermal heating system.
Conclusion
When you consider how much money you can save, and how easy these tips are to implement, it is surprising more people do not use them. If you want to save money, it is important to recognize where your money is going. This means keeping track of your energy usage, and knowing how to reduce it. If you want to save money, you need to look at ways you can reduce your costs. And if you want to reduce your costs, the easiest way to do that is to reduce your energy usage. These tips will help you do just that.
