Tips to lower your electric & gas bills

Whether it's a heat wave or a cold snap, few people are immune to the shock of an expensive utility bill.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to save energy and money.  

Start small with light bulbs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), replacing 15 incandescent bulbs with energy-saving CFL or LED bulbs could save you about $50 a year.

Update old models.

Old and poorly maintained appliances can be big energy suckers. Make a plan to begin replacing them with new ENERGY STAR certified models. These are up to 40% more energy-efficient, resulting in a lower residential electric bill.

Update your thermostat.

Today's technology includes thermostats that are smart enough to adjust and maintain your home's temperature and humidity. They can even be controlled from your smartphone!

Replace windows.

Prevent treated air from leaking out of your home. Newer windows can protect furniture from UV damage, increase the resale value of a home, improve energy efficiency, and even provide better sound insulation.

Cash-in on efficiency.

See if you qualify for any available rebates and tax credits from purchasing energy efficient products and homes at energystar.gov.

Stick to the schedule.

Overdue maintenance can be costly, especially when it comes to your furnace and air conditioning. Sticking to a manufacturer-recommended replacement schedule for your air filters can save between 5 to 15% on energy costs, according to the EPA. An annual HVAC cleaning and adjustment could save you even more money in the long run by extending the life and efficiency of your system.

Check for duct leaks.

Leaks rob your home of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer and are one of the largest energy wasters in the average home.

Unplug electronics.

Chargers, computers, and other electronics that are plugged in will continue to draw energy even if they’re not in use.

Check your fridge’s temperature.

According to the DOE, fresh food compartments should be between 37 to 40 degrees and the freezer at five degrees.

Keep your freezer full.

Solids retain low temperatures better than air. If you don't want to stock up on frozen goods, place half-filled gallon jugs of water in the freezer.

Run a full dishwasher.

Waiting until your dishwasher is full to run it can help you save on water. You can also skip the heat dry cycle to shorten run time.

Now that you have all these tips to start saving, where will you begin? Consider hiring a professional energy auditor to help guide your conservation efforts. They’ll go through your home and provide assessments and recommendations for lowering your residential energy costs.