Energy bills can quickly add up, especially during the harsh Wisconsin winters and hot, humid summers. While the cold and hot weather demands more energy usage, homeowners can take steps to save on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. By implementing energy-saving strategies, Wisconsin residents can save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and stay cozy all winter long.
Investing in insulation is one of the most efficient ways to save on energy bills. When properly installed, insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Insulation works by trapping air between the walls and ceiling, slowing the transfer of heat. This means that the warm air that you’re paying to heat doesn’t escape as easily and that the air you’re trying to cool stays inside. This reduces the amount of energy you need to maintain a comfortable Wisconsin temperature. In Wisconsin, attic insulation should have a rating of at least R-49, and walls should be insulated to at least R-15.
Another effective energy-saving strategy is to upgrade your windows. Older windows often fail to insulate properly, leading to drafts and the loss of temperature-controlled air. New energy-efficient windows have multiple panes, low-E coatings, and insulating frames to minimize the amount of heat and cool air that escapes or enters your home. Additionally, many modern windows can deflect harmful UV rays, which helps protect your furniture from fading. While upgrading your windows can be expensive up front, the energy savings they provide will quickly make up for the cost.
Smart home technology can also help save on energy bills. Smart thermostats learn your heating patterns and adjust the temperature accordingly to save energy. You can control these thermostats remotely, which allows you to adjust the temperature from an app on your smartphone. Additionally, you can program them to adjust automatically when you’re away from home, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the heat or air conditioning running all day. Smart lighting can also be used to save energy, as you can schedule lights to turn themselves off when you’re not in a room or set up motion sensors to control the lights when you’re away.
Water heaters also account for a significant portion of a home’s energy usage. Switching to a tankless water heater can help reduce your overall energy consumption. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. This means they only consume energy when you need hot water, not when you’re sleeping or not at home. Tankless water heaters can also last up to twice as long as traditional water heaters.
Switching to energy-efficient appliances can also be beneficial. You can find energy Star-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines that use less energy than traditional models. You can also reduce your overall energy consumption by using your appliances more efficiently. For example, waiting until you have a whole load of laundry before running the washing machine or a whole load of dishes before running the dishwasher can help reduce the number of loads you need to do, thereby decreasing your overall energy usage.
One of the less costly strategies to save on energy bills is to make behavioral changes. Simply turning off lights and electronics when not in use can save energy and lower your bill. Unplugging devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone and laptop chargers, can also save energy. Using a drying rack instead of your clothes dryer can also help reduce power.
In Wisconsin, many utility companies offer energy assessments or audits to identify areas where homeowners can save on energy bills. These audits can help identify leaks or drafts in your home that may be wasting energy. Most of these companies also offer rebates or discounts for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing insulation.
Wisconsin homeowners have a variety of strategies at their disposal to save on energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home. Each action adds significant savings over time, from insulation to energy-saving windows to smart home technology and behavioral changes. Ultimately, implementing these strategies to save on energy bills will benefit not only your wallet but the environment as well. By reducing carbon emissions, Wisconsinites can contribute to a cleaner and healthier world.
Cobblestone Builders Strategies to Save on Energy Bills
Cobblestone Builders incorporates strategies to save on energy bills on every new home they build. Using proven technologies, they make sure their homes rate amongst the highest in energy efficiency. From pouring the foundation and framing your new home to windows, insulation, and sealing, Cobblestone Builders thoughtfully saves their customers money by using smart and energy-efficient technology.
All Cobblestone homes are certified Energy Efficient by a Focus on Energy consultant. The inspection process ensures your new home has been built to a high standard and is rated on the Home Energy Rating System scale. On the HERS score, the lower the number, the better the energy savings. For example, a new home is figured to have a number of 100, and a Cobblestone Builders new home ranges from 47 to 55, meaning that a home built by them is 45 to 53% more efficient than a standard code-compliant new home, saving you money each and every day!