Stay at home. This is a phrase the whole world echoes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone remains in the comfort of their own homes, they’ve found there is nothing much to do. They can watch TV all day, use their laptops and phones, read books, etc. Most of these activities involve using more electricity than ever. As a result, some households may face higher utility bills than ever.
This problem is not only persistent during social distancing, though. It’s a problem that an average consumer faces. In the hopes of saving money, there are a few tips one can use to reduce the amount on the monthly bill.
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Make changes in some habits
One way to do this is to do certain chores by hand instead of relying on heavy appliances. Instead of using the dishwasher, consider washing the dishes on your own. Instead of machine-washing clothes, consider hand-washing and air-drying.
Using gadgets takes up energy, too, especially if you use them all day, like watching TV, playing video games, or being on the phone. By lessening one’s screen time, conserving energy becomes more attainable. Other pastimes could be reading books, hanging out with family members, gardening, etc.
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Use energy-efficient light bulbs
According to the Department of Energy, using energy-efficient light bulbs can save a consumer up to $75 annually. The variety of energy-saving light bulbs are the following: halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Compared to traditional light bulbs, these energy-efficient ones are more expensive upon purchase from the shelf. However, they save up to 80% of energy while staying at least 3 times longer. Therefore, in the long run, the savings are still bigger.
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The HVAC system shouldn’t work so hard
The HVAC system is responsible for heating, ventilation, cooling, and everything about air conditioning. Cooling a house can use up to 70% of the electricity bill, especially if used all-day. When the HVAC system has to exert extra effort to regulate the temperature of the house, it uses more energy. Here are some ways to ensure that the house’s indoor temperature can be efficiently regulated:
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Insulation
Insulation helps regulate the temperature of the house by “providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.” It slows the movement of heat around the house to keep the house warm in cold weather and vice versa.
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Roof maintenance
Roof leaks can damage insulation as moisture seeps in. The ceiling can also absorb the moisture, and this could cause stains, expanding, and bubbling. Then, both the quality of the insulation and the ceiling are compromised with added humidity and drafting from the wetness. Constant roof maintenance for Miami residences is necessary to conserve energy and prevent further roof damage.
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Energy-efficient windows
Energy-efficient windows are specially-coated double or triple-paned glass windows with argon or krypton gas in the middle of window panes. They add insulation to the home by making sure that the conditioned air temperature inside the house does not seep through and escape.
Invest in energy-saving
Energy-saving requires a lot of effort and money—at first! When you come to think of it, the accumulated savings from lower electricity bills could ultimately return your investment.
