Decrease Your Wellesley Home Expenses this Year by Cutting Utility Costs

Planning for additional costs like utility expenses and property taxes are an important part of buying a home anywhere, including in the Wellesley real estate market. But, utility costs are one expense you can actually decrease this year. 

Regulate Heating and Cooling

One of the simplest ways to decrease your monthly utility bills is to carefully regulate your heating and cooling. Turn the thermostat down a little when you aren’t home or at night. Even a small change can make a difference, as the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy reports that you can save about 3 percent on your heating bill for every degree that you turn your furnace down.

Monitor Water Use

While you are watchful of what your thermostat is set at, keep an eye on how much water you use. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full and consider taking shorter showers a few times a week. Watering your lawn at night during the summer can also help you save, since you will need to water less frequently as water has time to soak into the soil before it is evaporated.

Turn Lights Off

Another small change that can help you decrease your utility costs is turning lights off when they aren’t in use. When you leave a room or your home, turn the lights off to save electricity. Of course, you should still leave a porch light on and a few other lights on to keep your home safe.

Change Your Furnace’s Filter Regularly

Your furnace’s filter needs to be changed every few months to keep your heater working properly. A clean filter will make the furnace more efficient so you won’t have to turn it up as high or run it as often. As an added benefit, new filters actually do a better job of keeping dust and pollen out of your home, which is good news if you have allergies. 

Repair Broken Window and Door Seals

Broken window and door seals make it harder to heat and cool your home because they could cause you to run these systems more, adding to your utility bill. Check to make sure all seals are intact and make necessary repairs. Another simple tip: keep windows and doors shut when the air conditioner is on.

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy efficient appliances are becoming commonplace, and for good reason. Eco-friendly washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other appliances work just as well as their traditional counterparts, but use less energy and are more affordable to run. An added bonus: these appliances are also great for the environment, so installing them is a win-win situation.

As the new year starts, you can use some of these tips to decrease your utility bills and even help protect the environment. For more tips on reducing your utility costs, visit the Christine Norcross and Partners website. If you want to find a Wellesley home for sale, contact Christine Norcross at 781-929-4994.