NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA Blog

Hot Spots for Energy Consumption Around the House | Koala Insulation o

All of us are looking to save money when we can right now in many aspects of our lives. Family fun, groceries, necessities and even bills can be hard to pay for at times, so we become penny pinchers wherever possible.

While it is true that our homes need energy and we will always have bills to reflect that, we can have a direct impact on how much energy we consume on a daily basis. By knowing what parts of your home consume the most energy, you can take steps to lower your energy bills reliably.

HVAC Systems

If you are cozy and warm in your home right now, you can thank your HVAC system! However, you might not be thanking it when your winter energy bills come to your mailbox or inbox. Up to 50% of your home’s energy consumption comes from your heating and cooling costs. One simple way to combat your high bills is to be cognizant of how much you are relying on your heating system.

Try turning down your thermostat by even a degree or two, or set it lower before you go to bed. You can even invest in a smart thermostat that will rise and lower with your family’s daily activities to help maximize your comfort without sacrificing your wallet in the process.

The Water Heater

We rely on our water heaters much more than we think on a daily basis. Washing your hands in warm water, taking a hot bath and washing your whites needs your water heater! A single water heater in your home makes up 10–12% of your monthly energy usage.

The first thing you can do to help lower your energy consumption from your heater is to turn down the heat a few degrees. That will set a limit for how hot your water can get, which can save you money over time. You can also research different detergents that will run on a cold water cycle, which can reduce your need for hot water when you do your laundry.

Light It Up

Can you think back to when you were a kid and your parents were always telling you to turn the lights off when you left a room? Chances are that you are probably the same now, too! Lighting your home contributes up to 10% of your home’s energy usage and even more if your family leaves lights on all day every day.

It’s OK to be that adult and require everyone to turn lights off as they leave rooms! The simple act of turning off lights can directly affect your energy bill. Try to get in the habit of going around your home before bed and shutting off any light that is not being used.

What to Do About It

While some of these tasks are simple things you can do every day to reduce your energy costs, they can require some forethought to make sure they are getting done every day. One easy way to reduce your energy costs without having to think about it constantly is to upgrade your insulation! Upgrading your insulation is one of the most reliable ways of reducing your energy consumption. This is because if your home is more resistant to temperature swings, your HVAC system won’t be needed as heavily and won’t run as often, which directly contributes to lower energy bills. Ready to save some money? Contact Koala Insulation of Northwest Pennsylvania today