Property owners expect to get a bill from their utility company each month, but opening one for a particularly pricey month can possibly be a real shocker. If your bills seem continuously much higher than what they ought to be, it’s time to search for unknown energy drains and take into consideration some changes that can make a considerable difference.

Think about some of these home improvement solutions to take a substantial bite out of your power bill:

Tip 1: Assess the roof

The sun’s rays beat down on your roof, boosting the temperature in your entire house. Your air conditioner must work hard to offset these intense temperatures which results in an elevated power bill. The very best way to defend your home from this sort of heat is to install a radiant barrier in your attic, specifically if your AC system or ductwork is present.

A radiant barrier, such as Enerflex, lessens heat transfer between your roof and the attic flooring where insulation is usually installed. Enerflex can reflect up to 96 percent of the radiant heat energy coming from the sun back through your roof, making your attic space up to 30 degrees cooler. A cooler attic results in a much more comfortable and consistent temperature throughout your house and a reduced workload on your air conditioner and other appliances. This also leads to a decreased energy bill.

Suggestion 2: Look for leaks

No matter what time of year it is, having even tiny leaks in your windows or doors is like letting money, literally, float away. Just an 1/8-inch crack all the way around a doorway produces the very same air loss as a 6-inch square hole in the middle of your door, according to the Edison Electric Institute.

There are many ways to check for window and door leaks, from holding a candle flame near the crack and gauging exactly how much the flame moves to slipping a piece of paper through the opening to see if it catches or tears. If you discover a leak, the easiest treatment is to add weather-stripping around doors and to caulk windows. Do not forget to check once a year to see if any repairs or replacements are required.

Strategy 3: Switch the bulbs

You’ve most likely read plenty about converting to much more energy efficient light bulbs, but possibly you’re not sure if it really makes a difference. Consider this: houses that use Energy Star-qualified light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and they last a minimum of six times longer.

Moreover, an incandescent lamp is actually more of a heater than a light, with nearly 90 percent of the input energy being converted and lost in waste heat rather than light, according to the EPA. All of those little heaters warm up your home rapidly and you need to switch on fans and your air conditioner to moderate the temperature. Swap your light bulbs and the savings will follow.

Making energy bills low is a challenge, nevertheless with the right methods you can lower your bill and help the environment, a winning combination for everyone.

If you are living around Edmonton, it’s time that you should get some help. Call Home Inspectors Edmonton TODAY!

Executive Home Inspections
Suite 2020, 10060-Jasper Avenue Scotia Place Tower 1
Edmonton, Alberta T5J3R8
(780) 651-3608


Posted by in Home Inspectors Edmonton Tags: