The colder the weather gets, the more your home or building’s HVAC system has to run to maintain a comfortable temperature. That’s why utility bills typically skyrocket during the winter and the summer. Due to more extreme temperatures and fluctuations, keeping the thermostat steady becomes more difficult. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to remedy this problem. Here’s how to lower energy bills this winter to save money and reduce waste.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
According to the Energy Information Administration, cooling and heating your home comprises over 40% of energy bills in an average American household. However, appliances make up nearly 10% of utility costs. By switching to Energy Star appliances that are designed to use less energy, you can save hundreds of dollars every year. For instance, Energy Star washing machines use both less water and less overall energy than older models. Electric water heaters are another appliance that can help reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Use Cold Water Instead of Hot
If you can’t invest in a new energy-efficient laundry machine, you can opt to use cold water instead of hot water. This is an easy way to lower your energy bill without really doing much at all. Also taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of hot water that you’re using. As heating water uses electricity, reducing the amount of hot water usage can help decrease utility bills.
Lower Energy Bills Year-Round with Window Film
Heating and cooling your home makes up a large percentage of energy bills. Fortunately, there’s one easy way you can get year-round cost savings: window film.
Decrease Cooling Costs
Solar Control Window Film reflects nearly 80% of solar heat that is transferred through windows to lower cooling costs by up to 30%. By blocking heat, you don’t have to use as much energy to cool your home, shaving precious dollars off your utility bills.
Improves Insulation
Low E Window Films improve the insulation of windows. They effectively turn a single-pane window into a double pane and a double-pane window into a triple pane. With better insulation, you won’t just save money on cooling bills, but you’ll also retain warmth for year-round savings. By preventing heat from escaping in the winter and reflecting heat in the summer, you can lower energy bills and improve comfort in every season.
Retain Natural Light
One of the best things about window film is that it not only helps lower energy bills, but it also does so without eliminating natural light. Let in light and keep out the heat by applying window film to your home’s windows, glass doors, and any other areas that might need extra insulation. Different opacities are available so you can control how much natural light you want to retain.
Saving Money on Your Energy Bills Can Be Simple
Lowering energy costs doesn’t have to be a struggle. By having the right technology in place, you can reduce your energy consumption without having to give it a second thought. Schedule a consultation with our window tinting experts today!
ESP Window Tinting & Graphics has been Louisville’s premier window tinting and custom graphics provider since 1974. We serve both the residential and commercial markets, providing customized solutions with the goal of delighting our clients. Our window film and graphics products offer enhanced aesthetics and improved functionality to your spaces. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.