Keeping your energy bills under control is no easy task, especially when costs are expected to go through the roof. However, more often than not, homeowners don’t realise they are spending more than they need on heating and water bills.
Could you reduce your energy bills? We bet you could if you stop ignoring these 5 harmful issues!
You never service your heating/cooling system
The most common reason homeowners give for neglecting their HVAC system is that it works. Contrary to common belief, having cool or warm air inside your home is no guarantee that your HVAC is working efficiently. In fact, you may not realise that the system is damaged or running at higher than necessary costs. You’d be surprised to find out how much you can save just by keeping on top of maintenance schedules!
You’ve got a leak, and you don’t know it
Not all water leaks are visible. If one of your taps is dripping or if you’ve got a leak inside the wall or in the basement, you may never get to notice it. Ideally, you should keep an eye on your water consumption. An abnormal change in consumption outside of seasonal variation could indicate the presence of a leak. As tempting as it is to fix it yourself, you want to trust an expert who can provide a lifetime labour guarantee on all plumbing work when it comes to plumbing issues. This will ensure you don’t have to worry about additional energy and plumbing costs!
You love a long and hot shower
How long do you spend in the shower?
According to studies, the best shower length for your skin is between 5 and 10 minutes. So, if you love a long and hot shower, it’s time to consider your water consumption. The standard showerhead uses approximately 2.5 gallons of water in a minute. By shaving a handful of minutes of your shower time, you could save a lot on your water bills at the end of the year.
Additionally, turning your water heater down by a few degrees will not affect your comfort while showering. But it can keep energy consumption low!
You never refresh your indoor air
Germans tend to open their windows every day for at least 30 minutes, and the process enables homeowners to renew their indoor air. As surprisingly as it might sound, fresh air can also keep your electricity consumption down.
Indeed, a lack of air renewal reduces the presence of moisture inside your home. When the humidity level falls below 30%, the indoor air feels colder than it is, which means you tend to turn the heater up. As a result, this further dries the indoor air, leading to a vicious cycle!
Your home is cluttered
Clutter doesn’t just affect your interior decor. It also prevents air circulation by blocking air passages inside and between rooms. Consequently, your heating and cooling system must work harder to heat up or cool down the house. It is worth checking for substantial temperature differences between rooms. You can experiment with different furniture placements to see if you can free up the air passage.
As homeowners face a new increase in energy costs, it’s time to make sure your home is equipped to keep your costs manageable. From clutter to lack of ventilation, simple changes can make a huge difference in your expenses!