PEARLAND Blog

Lowering Your Energy Bills in Southeast Texas

Dealing with expensive energy bills while maintaining a suitable temperature in your home are very common problems across the country. About a third of households in the U.S. have difficulty paying higher energy bills, based on a recent study by the Energy Information Administration. There are ways to reduce the cost of your energy bills, such as using different appliances and changing out your light bulbs. One of the causes of increased payments is damaged or deteriorating insulation, which can additionally lead to poor indoor air quality and sporadic temperatures. Consult an expert if you want to know how to save more on your bills

Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills

Update Appliances

The size of an appliance directly correlates to the amount of energy that it uses. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines are all examples of large appliances that can drive up the cost of your bills. However, not all homeowners have the option of removing or reducing the use of these devices, especially those who live in bigger households. One method of lowering energy consumption is to run these machines only at full capacity. Completely filling the dishwasher, drying your clothes on low heat, and fewer trips to the fridge are some of the ways this can be utilized. This tactic, while effective, is not the best option for many homeowners. Fortunately, there is more than one solution.

When these devices are not being used, leaving them unplugged is another way to lower your energy bills. However, constantly plugging and unplugging your home electronics can become tedious. Instead, investing in smarter electronics is the better option. Koala Insulation of Pearland is a certified Energy Star Partner, working with organizations that prioritize maintaining a quality environment while providing energy-efficient services and products at the same time. Energy Star is able to work with local communities to propose rebate programs designed to update appliances. They also offer energy-efficient options if your household needs to reduce expenses, recommending devices that use less energy to run just as effectively.

Retrofit Insulation

Controlling the temperature of your home is a necessity, one that is accomplished in part by insulation. Insulation regulates how quickly heat enters and exits a building, so maintaining it is vital for a comfortable environment. If insulation becomes damaged, deteriorates over time, or is improperly installed, the results could be colder temperatures in the winter and excruciating heat in the summer. Because of this, your HVAC system will be overworking to try and keep a stable temperature in your household. The unfortunate side effect of this is an expensive bill at the end of the month, as well as additional maintenance for the HVAC system.

The solution to this problem is through a process known as retrofitting, where old insulation is removed and replaced with newer, more effective material. Many resources used in insulation are designed to last for about 15 years, however, it is quite susceptible to moisture, pests, and other things that may damage the material. The older and more damaged insulation becomes, the less effective it is at keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Seal Air Leaks

Another way to reduce the cost of your energy bill is by sealing up air leaks, which is very akin to retrofitting insulation. If there are any cracks, gaps, or openings in your building, air will be able to escape your household. Because of these leaks, airflow is not properly controlled, leading to heat and/or cool air being released through these holes, and creating uncomfortable temperatures within your home. One of the worst of these problems is the increase in the price of your energy bill, which is caused by the previously mentioned HVAC system being overworked to make up for the loss in air. This would be like leaving a window or a door wide open, letting the air out as soon as it is produced.

Aside from the financial burden, air leaks can also lead to various health hazards. Unfiltered air from outside can bring on a whole host of undesirable particulates, such as dust, allergens, and other pollutants, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Some symptoms of low air quality include waking up with stuffed-up sinuses and a sore throat; these can be clear signs that allergens and other potentially harmful substances are in your home. This is why properly sealing your household is important. Not only will it save you money, but it can also keep you healthy.

Switch Out the Lights

The most seemingly insignificant changes throughout your home can have a noticeable impact on your energy bill. Many households still use incandescent bulbs, an option that is not ideal due to their low energy efficiency, dim lighting, and outdatedness when compared to modern alternatives. Such alternatives include compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs. These types of lightbulbs are known for being energy-efficient, producing more light while at the same time emitting less heat. They also use 75% less energy on average than incandescent lights.

Changing light bulbs isn't the only way to save on your energy bills. A commonly understood practice is to turn off the lights after leaving a room. Even though it's minuscule, it is a strategy that works in the long run. Keeping the lights off in rooms you're not using will help you save little by little, which adds up more than you may think over the month. Position portable sources of light, like lamps, in ideal locations to maximize their efficiency. Keeping a lamp next to your bed or couch can prove to be more beneficial than a ceiling light, and at the same time use less energy. Lastly, use the sun! Natural sources of light will reduce the need for having to use artificial ones.

Lower Your Monthly Costs with Local Assistance

Trying to keep your home comfortable while balancing your budget and health can be tricky, which is why there are insulation experts ready to assist you. Koala Insulation of Pearland oversees a team of qualified and adept professionals, whose primary goal is to support our local community. We offer free evaluations, used to determine the quality of your home's insulation and air sealing material. This evaluation will not only deliver cost-effective services to your household but also provide energy-efficient materials and methods that will allow your home to run on clean energy, which reduces the impact on the environment. If you would like to learn more about how insulation and air sealing affect your home and health, contact Koala Insulation of Pearland to schedule your free evaluation.