5 Essential Tips to Reduce Home Energy Costs

No one likes rising utility bills, but the good news is that with some basic modifications to your home you can reduce home energy costs. Whether decreasing your energy footprint is your motivation, or simply lowering your monthly bills, some basic repairs to your home can help you achieve the results that you are looking for.

Insulation is a key way to conserve energy by keeping the extreme cold and the extreme warm outside. More insulation in the walls, attic, or basement can reduce heating and energy consumption during the cold winter months. It can also help to keep cool air in the home, and the hot summer air outside.

Extra foam insulation around an electric water heater supply lines can also reduce energy usage. These can typically be found at a hardware store.

If you are experiencing skyrocketing energy bills, or if you have any environmental concerns, an energy efficient furnace may be the right option for you. If your current furnace is aging or outdated, this is a way to achieve the same warmth and comfort that you’re used to while spending less on utilities.

You can talk with your HVAC company to see if this is the right option for your home.

There are various types of energy efficient roofing for various climates. In the Midwest, asphalt roofing is an extremely popular way to enjoy energy efficient benefits. This is a great way to insulate your home from the extreme temperatures that we so often face in the Chicagoland area.

An experienced roofing company in the Chicagoland area can help you determine the best way to protect your home and keep it insulated from these weather elements, saving you money on future utility bills. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce home energy costs.

The use of solar power can help you to drastically reduce your energy costs. When your home has solar panels, you can use energy directly from the sun to provide electricity within your home. These panels are low maintenance, and you can get tax credits for your investment. It also provides for more steady electricity costs – so you won’t be subject to spikes.

Older, outdated windows let air escape – even when they are closed. That heated or cool air doesn’t do you any good when it leaves the home. Upgrading your windows is an investment, but it can pay off in the long run by allowing you to run a more energy efficient home.

When you choose to purchase new windows, you may also qualify for a tax credit.

No one wants to feel like they’re throwing money away. But when your home is not energy efficient, that’s in effect what you may be doing. Simply making some of these changes to reduce home energy costs can have a big impact. If you have any questions, or want to talk about how roofing or siding might help, contact us today!