Gas and electricity costs in Kansas City are some of the most costly in the U.S., with residents shelling out $200 to $300 every month. However, specific measures can cut your consumption and save you money that you can use for more important things.
Insulate Your Home
Whether it’s cooling your house during the summer or warming it up in the winter, you can your gas or electricity bills with proper insulation. A well-insulated home makes the temperature more manageable to control, shielding your house from the extremes outside. It also maximizes the efficiency of your heating and cooling solutions. Proper insulation can cut your electricity and gas bill by up to 30 percent, especially during the summers and winters.
Insulation in your ceiling or attic is essential as the roof of your house is one of the biggest media of energy-loss or transfer. Check the sidings of your doors and windows for undue airflow; consider treating your glass windows with UV-filtering film to minimize heat transfer from the sun. Use heavy drapes during bright sunny days. You’ll be keeping your home cooler and protecting your family from dangerous UV radiation that can cause undue aging and skin cancer.
Keep Your Air Ducts Clean
The efficiency of your cooling and heating systems rely on smooth airflow. Dirt, dust, grime, or other impediments in your air ducts can hamper the flow of air, requiring your systems to use more energy as well as dropping the air quality. Mold, allergens, and germs can accumulate in your ducts, giving your house nasty odors or even putting your family’s health at risk.
A quick air duct cleaning can get rid of these problems and keep your house as cold or as warm as you want it to be. The lighter load on your cooling and heating systems also extends their durability and will save you a bit on maintenance and repair costs.
Upgrade a Few Appliances
When it comes to appliances, newer is always better, especially when it comes to energy consumption. International standards are improving every year, and the latest products are getting more efficient in their energy use. Make sure your air conditioning units, refrigerators, and freezers are using inverter technology. These appliances consume a lot of electricity and benefit the most from inverter technology.
Furnaces are more efficient than electric heaters, so consider installing one in your house if you’re not thinking of moving any time soon. It might cost you a bit of money, but the cost will be offset by the monthly saving you get in your electricity bills. Of course, make sure to turn your appliances off when you’re not using them or use a timer or smart app to keep them in check. Switching to energy-efficient appliances will involve a bit of investment, but they can cut your electricity costs by another 30 percent.
Small changes can lead to big savings. Take measures to maximize your house’s energy-efficiency and keep your bills down by making a few minor adjustments.
