3 Unexpected Ways Your House is Wasting Energy for You

Even if your home is relatively new, it might not be as efficient as you think. You could be wasting a huge amount of electricity every month, and that is going to result in staggering utility bills. Here is a look at three of the most common efficiency issues that homeowners struggle with and a few steps that can be taken to address those problems.

Phantom Loads

A phantom load occurs when a device continues to draw power even when it isn’t actively being used. While most devices don’t use a ton of power when they are just sitting there, the costs can add up. With dozens of electronics plugged in throughout your home, you could be wasting a few hundred dollars a year. The best way to avoid phantom loads is to unplug any devices that you don’t regularly use. You can also attach your devices to power strips that have on/off switches.

Inefficient Light Bulbs

Many homeowners don’t realize just how much energy older light bulbs use. Traditional incandescent bulbs are very cheap to make, but they are notoriously inefficient as well. If your home is filled with incandescent bulbs, then you might be wasting an incredible amount of energy every month. Modern LED bulbs tend to be the most efficient option, but some people believe that the light they emit is a little too harsh. CFL bulbs are a great blend of form and function, and they often last for thousands of hours.

Heat Loss Through Windows

Your home’s insulation is going to have a major impact on your electric bills, and that is why you should constantly be on the lookout for new ways to prevent heat loss. In some homes, most of the heat loss takes place through the windows, and that is why many people upgrade their windows as soon as they buy a new house. A modern home window will let in plenty of sunlight while reflecting the unwanted UV rays. It is also going to be perfectly sealed around the edges, and that will prevent drafts.

If you have taken care of these few issues and your energy bills are still overwhelming, then you should consider scheduling an energy audit. During a professional energy audit, a contractor is going to go over every inch of your home and look for any potential problems, including around your home window and door areas. After the audit is complete, you will be given an itemized list of changes that you can make to improve the overall efficiency of your home.