As most first-time homeowners know, the bills have a knack for surprising us from time to time. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common perpetrators of monthly fees that seem to come out of nowhere.
Air Conditioning & Heating Other common culprits of a surprisingly high energy bill include using excessive air conditioning or heating. If you get into a habit of accidentally leaving them on while away from home, consider investing in a programmable thermostat; these allow you to wirelessly control your home’s temperature from your phone and calculate the most efficient use of energy.
Electronics Make a list of the electronics that you use on a daily basis. Think about which ones you leave running while not in use. For example, turning off the television and lights before heading out to the grocery store is a great energy-saving habit to get into. Save cash by curbing the use of your home’s major energy-sucking appliances, such as:
- Computers
- Cell phones
- Coffee pot
- Lights
- Fans
- Video games
Faulty Windows First and foremost, the cornerstone to an energy-efficient home is well-insulated windows. If you experience recurring drafts, have to conduct excessive window maintenance, and your home’s energy bill is higher than usual, you may want to consider installing replacement windows. If gone unnoticed, faulty windows could lead to a serious home damage and avoidable preventable energy expenses. Avoid these by scanning your home windows at least twice a year to look for any of these issues. If you have any questions concerning repairs or are interested in new replacement windows, contact Wallside Windows for expert assistance.
Water In many ways, we rely on water not only for survival, but also for the integrity of our home appliances. Unfortunately, when a water-dependent appliance occurs and it goes unnoticed, it can hike up the water bill a significant amount. Save water by keeping a tight eye out for leaks around the house, running toilets, and leaving the hose running; cut back on shower time and practice general water-conserving habits like switching the faucet off while brushing your teeth.
