Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Now that you’ve unpacked all the boxes and set up your furniture how you like it, there are some easy home maintenance jobs you can do that will help improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. 

1.    Seal the windows and doors.

Give all your windows and doors a visual inspection inside and outside of the home. If you’ve noticed any cracks or damaged seals, they could be allowing energy to escape. Your windows are the number one culprit for energy loss in the home, so you want to install new weather stripping and caulking right away. If your windows are noticeably warped, damaged or very old, you should contact some Edmonton Window Companies for a window replacement.

2.    Update the attic insulation.

Take a peak in your attic and find out what type of insulation you’ve inherited. If you find wood chip insulation or a material that looks like bits of newspaper, you will benefit greatly from an attic insulation installation. Those older insulation types offer an R value of 4 to 8. At minimum, your attic insulation’s R value should be R50. Get in touch with an insulation contractor for new high-performing blow-in insulation and you’ll save a lot on your energy bills.

3.    Swap incandescent lightbulbs for CFL or LEDs.

Though compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs and LED bulbs have a higher initial cost compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, they use a fraction of the energy and will last much longer. Making the initial investment will help you save money in the long run.

4.    Fix any dripping faucets.

A dripping faucet is annoying, but it is also costly. A drip of water each second can add up to gallons of water wasted each day and an increased utility bill. Inspect all your faucets and toilets for leaks. If you find a leak or if a toilet is always running, fix them as soon as possible. Learn how to fix a leaky faucet here or contact a certified plumber to help you out.  

5.   Program your thermostat.

Program your home’s thermostat to decrease the temperature when you are at work or at night when everyone is asleep. If your home doesn’t have a programmable thermostat, this is another great investment. It will help you save on energy when it’s not needed and keep your energy bills from creeping up.

Click to Read more Things new home owners can do to save money