Hot summers and cold winters. One day it’s 85 degrees and you’re hanging out at Lady Bird Lake downtown, the next day a sudden ice storm closes all the roads. Weather in Central Texas is unpredictable, and it can wreak havoc on your home’s energy consumption and utility bills.
It’s no secret that home energy use in our country has been on the rise over the past few decades. Did you know that the average home consumes more than 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year? That’s up 40% from the 1970s (Source: U.S. Department of Energy). The increased use of electronic devices, larger homes, and more appliances are among the factors responsible for this drastic change.
There are a variety of strategies that will help you save money on your energy bills. They include identifying and sealing air leaks, improving moisture control in your home, and installing energy-efficient appliances and LED lights. The gold standard for real savings, however, is making sure your home is properly insulated.
Nearly 47% of your energy use comes from keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
If you notice that some rooms in your home are colder or hotter than the rest of the house, it could mean that your home isn’t properly insulated.
Insulation helps create a tighter seal between your home’s exterior walls and the roof, which reduces the amount of energy lost through air leakage. Proper insulation makes your HVAC run more efficiently and reduces your monthly heating and cooling costs by up to 20% The right insulation material in your home also helps prevent moisture build-up and condensation issues that often lead to mold or mildew growth, and could require costly repairs down the line if left unchecked.
When it comes to keeping your home energy consumption low, attic insulation is a great way to save money.
Home energy savings checklist:
- Call and schedule an appointment to have your attic insulation inspected by one of our professionals.
- Check and replace HVAC filters as needed.
- Have your HVAC system checked annually for maximum efficiency.
- Insulate your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the water temperature set at 120 degrees F.
- Unplug your electronic devices and appliances when not in use.
- Use LED or CFL light bulbs whenever possible. Turn off lights when leaving the house, and install timers or solar powered fixtures for exterior lights.
- Inspect windows, doors, and frames for air leakage or condensation. Make sure to use weather stripping and seal any leaks.
- Block direct sunlight from windows with blinds or curtains to reduce cooling costs. Install programmable thermostats.
The trained professionals at Home Insulation ATX will be happy to answer any additional questions you have. Call us today at 737-301-8148 and start saving money!
