Ask any homeowner in or around Princeton, NJ if they’d like to spend less each month on their energy bills, and the answer will likely be a resounding, “Yes!” While no one wants to spend more than is necessary on basic utilities, we often take for granted the power that keeps our computers running, our lights on and our heating and cooling systems operating properly. One thing that commonly goes overlooked is the issue of energy vampires, and chances are that you’ve got a few sucking power from your home right now!
Ready to slay those energy vampires? Here are just a few areas in which you should plan on focusing your attention.
Furnaces
If there’s one feature of the home that’s likely acting like a vampire, it’s the furnace. This is due in large part to dirty air filters, which can impair a furnace’s efficiency and should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Be sure to run your hands over the heating ducts while your furnace is operating to check for leaks, which can be addressed with simple aluminum tape.
Water Heaters
Your water heater’s temperature is likely set above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is actually much higher than it needs to be. Set it to 120°F, which will save you money each year without sacrificing the comfort of your warm water.
Thermostats
One way to save money on energy is by purchasing a programmable thermostat, which typically has an “energy saving” setting pre-programmed. When it comes to having total control over your home’s conditioned environment, a programmable thermostat simply cannot be beat. Plus, your current thermostat is probably costing you money—especially if it has never been updated.
Electronic Devices
A great deal of today’s electronic devices are designed so that they can be left on throughout the day, often entering “standby mode.” It’s important to realize, however, that “standby mode” and “off” are not the same thing! With enough energy vampires running in standby mode at once, you may end up finding yourself spending as much as $400 each year on wasted energy costs. The solution? Unplug computers, TVs, phone chargers and anything else that you think may be an energy vampire—it’s the only way to be sure you’re not wasting energy.
Don’t let energy vampires ruin your fall. Questions? The team at Princeton Air is here to help.
