From Guest Blogger Kara Masterson: Energy Efficiency–Five Tips for Lowering Your Home Power Bill

Most people have noticed that their electric bill has steadily gone up. A high power bill can create a major inconvenience for your household. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can lower it.Install a Solar Panel

Installing a solar panel can be costly. However, it can help you cut your power bill by up to 75 percent by installing a solar panel. Not only can a solar panel help you save money, but it is also great for the environment.

Use Less Water

Energy is required to heat the water. Therefore, if you reduce the amount of water that you use, then you can cut your energy bill. You can reduce your water usage by taking shorter showers. You may want to use a waterproof timer. You can also wash your clothes in cold water. Additionally, leaky pipes will need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Buy Energy Star Appliances

If you have old appliances, then they are likely causing you to have to spend more money on your energy bill. You will need to update your old appliances with Energy Star appliances. Energy Star appliances are not only energy-efficient, but they are top quality. They can last for several years.

Update Your HVAC System

An old, inefficient HVAC system may be one of the reasons that you are spending more money on your power bill than you have to. If you have had your HVAC for more than eight years, then it is time for you to update it. By working with an HVAC repair service, you can cut your energy bill significantly.

Unplug Appliances

Even if you have Energy Star appliances in your home, your appliances may still be using more energy than they should. Many people will faithfully turn off their appliances when they are not using them. However, an appliance will still use energy when it is plugged in. That is why you will need to unplug every appliance when you are not using it. If you do not want to turn off your computers, then you can use the sleep mode.

You do not have to deal with a skyrocketing energy bill. You can save money with an updated HVAC system. You can also install a solar panel, buy energy star appliances and use less water. Furthermore, appliances that are not being used will need to be unplugged.