Last updated May 5, 2021 | Electricity, Home Maintenance
Do you think you spend more than necessary on electricity every year? You aren’t alone.
Having a more energy-efficient house is a growing concern for most people. People are investing in more energy-efficient solutions to both save money and help the environment.
One of the easiest ways to spot above-average bills is to start using a bill tracker. Doing so will allow you to keep up with monthly expenses, making a higher-than-usual bill stand out. If you think your electricity bill is too high, you need to look at ways to reduce your power usage during the day. Below are seven ways you can save money on your electricity bills, so keep reading to learn more.
1. Turn Your AC and Furnace Off When Not Home
Heating and cooling make up a large part of your electricity bills. It takes a lot to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all the time. The question is, do you need to keep it comfortable when nobody is home?
Turning your AC and furnace off when nobody is home can save you on your electricity bills. Of course, you’ll need to remember to turn things off when you leave. That’s where a programmable thermostat comes into play.
A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to schedule your home’s climate. It will save you money during the day and make sure your home is comfortable once everyone gets home.
2. Reinforce Insulation
If it seems like your electricity bills aren’t going down no matter what you do, you might be asking yourself how to reduce the cost of electricity and get it to work. One big reason your bills might not be going down is your insulation.
Your insulation is the materials in your attic and walls that help maintain your home’s climate. It keeps warm air in and cold air out. If your insulation isn’t working, it takes more work to control your home’s temperature.
You’ll need to reinforce your insulation to increase its effectiveness. Once you do, it won’t take as much energy to keep your home’s climate comfortable.
3. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Light bulbs don’t seem like the type of thing that uses a lot of electricity. However, once you count the total number of lights in your house switched on all the time, they can use a lot of power.
Switching to energy-efficient bulbs can help this problem. Not only will they save money, but they’ll also last longer than a traditional bulb. They cost more money upfront but will save money in the long-run.
4. Seal Your Windows
New windows work great when you first install them. There aren’t any cracks that cause air to leak in, and they keep a good seal when closed. The problem is that your windows can deteriorate over time.
Check your windows to see if you feel any cold or warm air leaking in. If it’s a small leak, you can seal it on your own. However, you might need new windows if the damage to your windows is too severe.
Now You Know How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bills
Many people wonder how they can reduce the cost of electricity but never take action to do so. However, now that you know how to save money on your electricity bills, you have what you need to get started. There are more power-saving tips out there, so keep optimizing your power usage to get your bill as low as possible.
Are you interested in other ways to improve your home’s value? Read our latest blog posts to find our best advice.
Nov 17, 2019 | blog
As winter rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about how we can curb those rising heating bills. Not only do we want to save money, but it’s important to keep your home at a reasonable temperature without using too much electricity.
We’re going to discuss some tips you can use to make sure your home isn’t freezing this winter. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use the tips in this article to manage the cold without any additional cost.
Let’s begin:
5 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bills
Some tips in this article may apply to those with specific kinds of heating systems. Don’t worry if one of the ideas below doesn’t apply to you, we’re going to include tips that can apply to everyone as well.
1. Make Sure Your System is in Check
The first thing you should do is ensure that your heating system, whatever it may be, is running smoothly. A faulty heater or ventilation system can lead to a lot of additional costs.
Whether you need to contact an HVAC company or talk with someone about boiler repair, make sure that your baseline heating equipment is fully functioning.
2. Use Window Plastic
A lot of cold air can seep through spaces left in our windows. Even if everything is shut tight and locked, there’s still the potential for cold air to get through.
A great way to get around this problem is to put up window plastic around the windows in your home. If there are particular rooms in your house or apartment that you don’t use, you can leave the windows untouched.
In places like bedrooms and living rooms, though, window plastic may reduce the need to use additional heat. Installation is easy, too, requiring only the plastic and an appropriate adhesive.
3. Personalize Your Thermostat
You can set your thermostat to change temperatures throughout the day. For example, you may want to lower the heat during the hours that you and your family are at work or school.
There’s no reason to heat your house while nobody is inside. Additionally, you can lower the temperature a marginal amount while everybody is sleeping, seeing as nobody will be awake to notice the slight difference.
4. Keep Vents Clear
We often place furniture in front of crucial heating vents. This can significantly interfere with the airflow that would otherwise heat our homes.
Make sure that all of the heating vents and radiators in your home are not obstructed and can function as effectively as possible.
5. Cut Out Unused Rooms
If there are rooms in your home that you don’t use often, keep the doors shut and don’t heat those rooms if possible. It’s often possible to close vents in rooms and send the warm air through the ductwork to different spots of the house.
The most important thing, though, is to remember never to leave those doors open for long periods of time and keep the warm air in the spaces that you use most.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re thinking about heating bills or other general maintenance, sometimes we all need a little reminder on the DIY tricks and tips available to us.
If you’re in need of some simple home remedies, you’re in luck. Explore our site for more information on how to keep your bills down and your home in tip-top shape.
Jul 24, 2020 | blog
Living in San Francisco is a wonderful experience and adventure, but that “morning fog that chills the air” and the salty sea breezes, plus the humidity they produce, can play havoc with your home’s windows. While high-quality and well-maintained windows can last for over 20 years, coastal weather conditions can deteriorate them much more quickly.
For instance, are your windows drafty during the colder months? Do they often fog up? Is it hard to open and close them? Do they refuse to remain open without a prop? All of these indicate that it’s past time to replace your windows.
Window Types
When it comes time for window replacement San Francisco, you have many style choices, including the following:
- Casement
- Garden
- Escape
- Bay
- Double-hung
- Slider
- Picture
- Awning
Some windows feature blinds embedded between two panes of glass, drastically reducing your dusting and cleaning chores. These blinds are also easier to operate and far less likely to warp or break than standard blinds.
New Window Benefits
New windows can save you as much as 25% on your energy bills since they reduce your heating and cooling costs. In addition, installing new larger windows can improve your health. Why? Because experts agree that lots of natural light coming through your windows increases not only your comfort but also your productivity. In addition, natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythms so you sleep better.
If you are fortunate enough to live in one of San Francisco’s historic homes, you’re undoubtedly already living with replacement windows. But are they the right kind? Did the previous owner who installed them make a wise decision as to their style and appearance? Not only do the wrong windows detract from your home’s historic appeal, but they can also actually interfere with its integrity. Today’s windows can give you the historical accuracy you home needs as well as the energy efficiency you want.
Jun 20, 2020 | blog
Whenever someone talks about renovating their home, you automatically assume that they want to remodel the bathroom or the kitchen. You’re not wrong to assume that because most people spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen and bathroom areas. People rarely talk about renovating the bedroom because they don’t use that room very often. However, renovating your bedroom can reignite the spark in your relationship and boost your moods. Here are a few tips on how you can renovate your bedroom without breaking the bank.
Find out Which Changes Add the Most Value
If it’s your first time renovating the bedroom, you may get a bit carried away by the experience. That’s why you should perform an assessment of the property market and find out the changes that add the most value to a home. Ask real estate investors and agents about current bedroom trends. Find out what’s selling and what isn’t. You can save a lot of money by focusing on the key areas.
Hire Professionals
Before you argue professionals are expensive, here is an interesting fact. A professional will charge a fixed price for labor while the cost of materials varies from one vendor to another. You’ll discover that the materials cost more than labor. Another interesting fact is that professionals can work with your budget. If you tell them that you have a certain fixed amount, they’ll find ways to deliver on the project without increasing expenses. You can use sites like costcertified.com to get an accurate estimate of a renovation project. The team responds fast to queries and will give you quick construction quotes. A professional will also save you from yourself – DIY projects can go wrong and lead to unexpected repair expenses.
Affordable Materials
If you want to change the flooring in your bedroom, you should go for cheaper materials. For example, you can use quarry tiles instead of ceramic. They are low maintenance and water-resistant. Instead of repainting the bedroom walls, you can use a customized wallpaper. They are cheaper and fast to install.
Second Hand Furniture
Instead of buying a new ottoman or side table for the bed, you should look for second-hand furniture. You can search online for second-hand furniture stores or ask around. You can also ask your designer where you can find second-hand furniture that’s in good condition. You can save a lot by investing in second-hand furniture.
Refurbish
Instead of throwing away your old bedroom sofa or reading chair, why don’t you just change the upholstery to a more vibrant color? Finding a replacement can be difficult especially if you bought that furniture years ago. You won’t find a similar style that easy. Changing upholstery is also cheaper than buying a new seat.
Become the Project Manager
Although we said that you should hire a professional, try to minimize the labor costs. Instead of hiring a project manager, you should supervise the work. If you have a tight schedule, make sure that you visit the site every evening when you get home. Look at the progress and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Your bedroom is the only place in the house where you can get some peace. People can’t walk in uninvited. That’s why you should consider renovating it. It will help you feel better. Don’t worry if you don’t have the money. You can use the above tips to minimize renovation costs.
Last updated Jul 23, 2021 | Clean Home
When was the last time you looked at your gutters? Has it been a year…two years…never? Your gutters help direct water away from your roof and over time fill with leaves and other debris.
Letting your gutters clog is a recipe for high roof and gutter repair costs. By getting them cleaned, you’re saving time and money.
We understand that gutters are an out of sight out of mind sort of thing. Don’t underestimate their importance to your home.
Check out these five reasons why getting them cleaned can save money on gutter and roof repairs.
1. Eliminates Pooling on the Roof
Fixing your roof is expensive. One way to guarantee a leak is to let water pool on your roof.
Shingles keep water running down your roof out of your home. When the water sits for days in a puddle, it erodes the shingle’s protections and seeps into the plywood underneath. Eventually, the plywood rots and lets water into your home.
You will need the shingles, plywood and other roofing materials replaced. If enough time has passed, then the water could rot the roof frame and cause leaks inside the home.
2. Debris Weight Leads to Gutter Repair
Gutters aren’t meant to support considerable weight. They’re designed to move water, but when leaves, branches, and other debris clog the gutters it adds weight.
When it rains, dirt and leaves absorb the water adding even more weight. The gutters bend from the weight and the supports come undone. The gutters pull away from the home and finally fall.
If you have the gutters cleaned regularly, this won’t happen. The gutter cleaning cost is nothing compared to replacing the gutters.
3. Mold Risk for Your Roof and Inside Home
Earlier, we talked about how standing water can lead to rotting shingles and plywood. It can also cause mold problems and that could be deadly.
When water soaks into the plywood and home supports, it a prime breeding ground for mold. It can reach your ceiling and develop there as well. Mold causes many health problems and can be deadly.
Any areas affected by the mold including the roof, plywood, and supports. Cleaning the gutters keeps water from pooling and mold won’t grow.
4. Clogged Gutter Downspouts Create Problems
The upper roof gutters are not the only ones that clog. Waste falls into the gutter downspout clogs this as well.
Water can’t flow through and pushes the debris further down. It can lead to water back-flow and break the downspout.
The debris causes small cracks in the downspout. Debris pushes against the sides because of the increased weight and distends the downspout.
Your rain gutter is vital to your roof. If your downspout clogs, then water isn’t draining. Gutter cleaning keeps the debris from building up.
5. Gutter Cleaning Sees Problems Early
Few people pay attention to their gutters. Cleaning it twice a year lets you see problems before they become serious. You’ll notice mold, cracks, sagging and other issues early.
These problems lead to costly roofing and gutter repairs. By catching it early, you incur a cost for small repair, but save yourself the headache of a major repair.
Gutter cleaning professionals know what to look for and may catch problems you don’t see. Make gutter cleaning part of your spring cleaning chores.
Clean Now and Save Money Later
Don’t let clogged gutters cause major home improvements. A simple gutter cleaning can save you endless headaches.
Roof and gutter repair can cost thousands of dollars. You can have your gutters cleaned at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re interested in learning more about gutter cleaning or home improvement, then explore our site.
