Energy bills higher than expected in your new home?

Three myths about saving energy:

1. Homes built less than 30 years ago are already energy efficient.
2. Energy improvements pay for themselves.
3. It takes a lot of money to save a lot of energy.

Here’s what you need to know:

The truth is, no matter how new your home is, technology is constantly being refined to be more efficient and effective. In addition, changes to building codes often result in increasingly energy efficient homes. Knowing that your home could use a little extra insulation on the band joist or in the attic per current standards might help you determine what projects will make a big impact on your home.

The other thing to keep in mind is that energy improvements usually don’t pay for themselves in full until several years have passed. That is, unless you’ve invested in something like solar panels. Most improvements will reduce your bills by 20-30% annually in that area. (For instance, if you typically spend $100 on electricity in a year drying your clothes but get a new dryer, you might save $20-$30 a year on your electric bill.)

When it comes to saving energy, sometimes inexpensive projects can have a much bigger impact on your bills than an expensive purchase. Depending on your home, spending $1,000 to add extra insulation. Caulking and sealing might save you 11% (on average $227) on your energy bill. Conversely, purchasing about $10,000 worth of energy-efficient windows would likely save somewhere between $27-$111 a year on your energy bill, according to EnergyStar. (We’re not saying you should never replace your windows! However, if you’re looking to save money with energy efficient fixes this is probably not the first place you should start.)

Take advantage of the great weather and tackle some of these projects now!

1. Get your HVAC tuned-up and your ductwork sealed.
2. Use some cans of spray foam to seal around plumbing lines, electric wires, recessed lighting, windows, crawlspaces, and in attics.
3. Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs. (Start with your most frequently used lights if you aren’t planning to switch them all at once.)
4. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees. Bonus for wrapping pipes and the heater in insulating material!
5. Program your thermostat to be 5-8 degrees cooler in winter or warmer in summer when you will be away from home for several hours or at night.