Don't Let Energy Bills Drain Your Budget: How To Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Now that summer is over, and fall is in full-swing, it's time to start prepping your home for winter. Summer energy bills can really take a chunk out of your budget, but some can those winter energy bills. You just get over the steep cost of cooling your home, and you're hit with the high cost of heating your home. Between those two budget-busters, you need a break. You need a way to reduce your energy costs, all year long. Here are a few steps you can take to help you do just that.

New HVAC System

If your heating and air conditioning system is outdated, it's costing you more money than it's worth. Between the breakdowns and the increased energy bills, it's turning into a real drain on your budget. You can save money, and keep your home comfortable all year long, by replacing your old heating and cooling system. A new HVAC system will provide energy efficiency throughout the year. Don't forget to have a programmable thermostat installed in your home. A new programmable thermostat will help ensure proper energy-efficiency.

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

If you haven't conducted a home energy audit in the past couple of years, it's time to do that now. A home energy audit will tell you exactly where you're losing money at. In fact, it can pinpoint where you've got energy leaks anywhere in the house. By using an infrared camera, you can locate leaks around your windows and doors, as well as locating areas that need to be better insulated. Once you've had your energy audit, you'll know exactly what you need to do next to get your home more energy-efficient.

Target the Energy Drains

After you have the results from your energy audit, it will be time to target the energy-drains in your home. Those are the places where you're losing money, and energy. The first energy-drain you should tackle is the insulation in your home. Begin by laying fresh sheets of insulation batting in your attic. Seal any cracks or small spaces you find using spray foam insulation. Finally, spray a fresh layer of cellulose insulation into your walls. Once your done refreshing the insulation, you should re-caulk all your doors and windows, to help keep the summer heat, and the winter freeze, out of your home.

Don't waste money on your heating and cooling bills. Use the tips provided here to be prepared for the weather all year long.