One of the things that you must have noticed by now is that your energy bill always goes up annually. In the meantime, the cost of solar power has been dropping significantly in the past two decades. Thus, if you are looking to install solar power, the reason would be to lower the cost of energy. Before you install a solar system, there are steps that you can take to reduce your energy bill. As a result, when you finally decide to install a solar system, you can lower the initial cost of installation. Here are some tips on how to do it.
Service Your Furnace
The easiest solution to an old, inefficient furnace is to get a new one. However, you can still service your old furnace to keep it operating at optimal levels. The process entails cleaning the parts of the furnace to ensure that it does not have to work harder than it has to, which raises your energy bill. On your part, you can replace the filters every three months or more if you have pets, to ensure that air moves with ease into the unit, which also prolongs its life.
Test Doors and Windows for Leaks
If air is leaking from your doors and windows, you will waste a lot of energy to heat and cool the home. You can easily check for drafts by lighting a candle near the window and door frames. If it flickers, it is a clear sign there is a draft. In such a case, you can install or replace the weather stripping, and use caulking around frames.
Use a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is a great option for cooling individual rooms. While it may not cool the whole house, it could ensure that the C unit does not have to work as hard. A fan can also be used during the cold months when some fans are used to push warm air into a room.
Replace the Incandescent Bulbs in Your Home
In the US, manufacturers stopped making 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs. If you still have those old bulbs, you can replace them with efficient LED bulbs, which not only produce the same amount of light but can last many times longer than older bulbs. Additionally, they consume significantly less power; sometimes as low as 1 watt. Within just a few months, you will be able to pay back the cost of installing these bulbs.
Replace inefficient Appliances
If you have any appliances, for instance, the fridge, that is over a decade old, you should get them replaced. Today’s appliances are made to be more efficient by consuming as little power as possible while delivering the same work as older appliances. When buying new appliances, you should ensure that they are energy-star certified. While they will cost you a bit more to start with, they will quickly pay for themselves over time.
Summary
With just a few measures, you can significantly reduce how much power your home consumes. It will ensure that by the time you decide to install a solar system, your energy bill is already significantly low.