While some home energy upgrades can be a big investment, there are still plenty of ways to save without having to spend a lot. Here are five affordable home energy upgrades that will pay for themselves in no time.
Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats quickly pay for themselves by significantly reducing your heating and cooling costs with little effort and maximum comfort.
Switch to LEDs. Still have incandescent bulbs? Switching to LEDs will reduce your energy costs, and because LEDs have a longer life, they'll also save you the time and expense of replacing bulbs in the future.
Reduce phantom energy. Smart plugs and advanced power strips can cut off energy waste from electronic devices in standby mode. This waste is sometimes called phantom energy — which can make up as much as 10% of the average household's energy use.
Switch to efficient fixtures. Reducing water use reduces the cost of the water and the cost of heating that water. Switch to efficient water fixtures and save both ways.
Stop air leaks. Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk or weatherstripping. Not only will your home be more comfortable, but it will reduce the work your HVAC system has to do to keep it that way.
Use these five tips to save on your energy bills without breaking the bank.