DIY Savings on MD Heating Bills
The weather is getting colder every day and that means your heating bills are on the rise. And that means you budget is hurting, especially if you didn’t sign up with cheap electricity rates earlier this year. But it’s not too late to start saving energy if you reduce home energy usage. Let’s talk about saving money on heating with a DIY energy audit.
Why Consider Home Energy Audit
Homes and commercial buildings use up about 40% of the energy used in the US. And most homes pay nearly $2,000 every year for the energy they use. As it turns out, anywhere from $200-$400 worth of energy (10%-20%) is wasted from drafts, leaks, and insufficient insulation. So, if you get a high electricity bill each month, the easiest way to fix it is to find out why.
An energy audit points you to the biggest sources of energy waste. They’ll also help you determine the best energy efficiency upgrades for your home.
Energy Audit Costs
Professional energy audits can cost between $450-$2000 depending on your home and the audit. These assessments will get you the best picture of your energy situation and improvements you should consider. But, this may not be feasible for every budget. A DIY audit is a cheaper option that focuses on more obvious sources of energy loss. You might not get the same level of detail about your home’s energy situation. But, it can help you point find simple home improvements.
DIY Energy Checklist
- Cheapest Heating and Cooling
If your furnace or heat pump is an older model, then you might consider an upgrade. Because today’s heat pump systems can save up to 50% when compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters.
- Water Heating Savings
For most homes, 20% of energy use goes to water heating. So upgrading older systems will help you save big every year. In fact, an Energy Star water heater could save you over $300 every year.
- Consider Insulation
A well-insulated home can keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. So be sure to check your insulation, especially in your attic. These upgrades can keep you comfy and save you up to 10% on energy bills every year.
- Switch To Smart Thermostats
You can cut your energy bills by up to 10% a year by setting back your thermostat 8 hours every day. Usually you want to do this while you’re sleeping or away from home. But a programmable thermostat makes your thermostat change itself so you can set it and forget it.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Windows
Poorly sealed windows can cause around 25% of your summer and winter heat gains and losses. Which means your heating and cooling systems have to work harder. Window upgrades can save you up to 12% on annual energy costs.
Other Energy Audit Tools
Be sure to contact your utility about energy assessments. BGE and Pepco offer home assessments and simple improvements at no extra cost. Energy Star also provides a virtual home tour that shows simple improvements you might not have considered. Alternately, this Energy Star home advisor can help you plan your own checklist.
Audit For Best Energy Savings
MD is looking at an expensive winter and a pricey summer. But you can save money with energy upgrades by finding ways to cut your usage. And a DIY energy audit can show you how.
You can keep up with the news that affects your bills at https://www.mdenergyratings.com. You can also shop for great plans and find ways to save money on lower electricity rates.