Home Repairs that Lower My Energy Bills

Leaky faucets and toilets that perpetually run are pricey problems. Even a small leak that drips all day can add up to thousands of gallons of water each year. Replace the washer in your faucet for a tighter fit or, if your faucet is old, consider replacing it with a newer model. Additionally, either fix your toilet or replace it. Low-flow and dual flush toilets allow you to only use the necessary amount of water with each flush. Electric and low-flow showers also allow you to control the water pressure and expenditure, resulting in less wasted water.

Improve the insulation in your home to keep heat inside, as this will require your furnace to work less to maintain the same temperature. Insulation in your walls and attic is key, as heat rises and will therefore waft away if not contained. Even wallpapering walls can help with this, as it provides an extra barrier between the cold air and the inside of your home. Adding rubber draft excluders to your door frames helps keep your home airtight. Additionally, insulate your water heater and its pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter.

Change the air filter in your furnace quarterly, as doing so will help keep your air cleaner and allow your furnace to run more efficiently. Doing so will also encourage longevity in your furnace and will prevent impurities from entering the air. Dirty ductworks will also force the furnace to work harder while pumping impurities and dust into the air, which is why many people begin sneezing in the first few days of the furnace being turned on. To prevent this, remove the covers on your vents and stick a vacuum hose inside to pull out the dust.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances prevents energy loss at the source. Several dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer models are manufactured with water and energy conservation now. Install a programmable thermostat for automatic temperature control and timed heat cycles. Additionally, if the food in your refrigerator goes off quickly or doesn't stay completely frozen in the freezer, it is time to replace the appliance. Though this results in a large up-front cost, lower energy bills and longer-lasting food will make up the difference over time.