Lowering your energy bill this winter doesn’t mean hiring a residential electrician. Many lower-cost lighting solutions, like new LED lighting, you can achieve by buying LED light bulbs and replacing your traditional light bulbs with them. This method lets you cheaply reduce the bills and address your full house lighting without hiring anyone.
What if you want to switch your home to the latest smart lighting, so you can handle things using a remote control? Transform your home to use remote lighting with the cunning use of smart plugs. These outlet adapters cost about $15 to $25 each. Plug one into an outlet and turn it on to transform a standard electrical outlet into a smart outlet. Any lamp you plug into this smart adapter becomes a smart lamp that you can control using an app on your smartphone.
Most universal lighting systems for landscaping use solar panels to power them. Solar stake light systems don’t require an electrician to set up. Step lights and patio lights use the same process, without the stakes. Even porch lights now come as solar lights, so you can significantly reduce your electricity bill this winter by revamping the exterior lighting with solar lights. Updating the interior of your home can save money, too. Installing a new entry door or adding weather stripping around an existing door can reduce drafts.
The winter’s peak seems to be already here. Temperatures are continuously hitting rock bottom all across the country. While it’s a delightful season, winter is also that time of the year when your AC is on all the time, and your energy bill pushes to the four digits. However, the good news is that you don’t have to sit and watch as your energy bill goes crazy. Something as simple as finding the right door manufacturer to help you switch your doors and windows can significantly reduce your energy bill. In that breath, check out various ways to reduce your energy spending this winter season below.
Consider Window Restoration in Portland Oregon
A large percentage of your home’s heat is often lost through poorly sealed windows. According to statistics, inefficient windows, glazed doors, and skylights are the reason why your energy bill is usually 25% higher. If you’re looking for ways to cut on your energy spending, then you should consider a window restoration.
The best bit about restoring or replacing your windows is that they are worthwhile investments. For instance, new windows often have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. Therefore, they offer you value for your money because within that period, you enjoy energy efficiency and cut your carbon footprint.
Install a New Exterior Door
As noted, a lot of heat is often lost through poorly sealed windows and doors. Therefore, while replacing your windows will help, not doing something about the door means that a lot of heat is still escaping.
An easy way to address the problem of heat loss through doors is by sealing your doors with caulk. However, this is only a temporary solution. The ideal way to put the problem to rest once and for all is to replace your doors.
Nevertheless, note that replacing a door is a more complex endeavor than replacing or updating your windows. Therefore, it’s wise you work with a door manufacturer who is willing to guide you. Also, ensure you consider the following factors when selecting new entry doors for your home.
1. The Style
If you’ve never really thought about it, it’s easy to assume that all doors are the same, but they are not. Door styles run a wide gamut. From antique-style doors to the modern front doors. Therefore, while choosing, select a style that not only offers energy efficiency but also enhances the aesthetic value of your space. As a person who’s never done this before, this can prove to be quite hectic.
That is why you should ensure you have the right door manufacturer by your side as he/she will help you navigate such complexities.
2. The Installation Process
When you finally find the right style, another important factor you will need to consider is the installation process. If you are a handy person, then you may want to purchase a door that you can easily install yourself. But if you are not, then you may want to work with a door manufacturer who will offer you such a service. Even if they don’t, they will be willing to connect you to an experienced door installation expert.
Clean and Replace Furnace Filters
Besides exterior doors and windows, dirty and broken or inefficient furnace filters are the reason why your energy bill tends to skyrocket. Therefore, before the cold season is officially here, make sure you clean or replace your furnace filters. This will not only help reduce energy costs but will also improve your home’s air quality.
Keep Garage Doors Closed
If your garage doors do not need replacing, then ensure they are always closed. This is because they tend to let warm air out and cold air in, forcing your AC to work two times harder. The result is that your energy bill blows out of proportion.
Invest in New, Modern Appliances
Another reason why your energy bill could be pushing to the four digits is that your appliances are old and inefficient. So if you replace your exterior doors, update your windows, keep your garage door closed, and your bill is still insanely high, consider investing in modern appliances. They are smarter and more efficient, hence use less energy.
