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As energy costs continue to rise in the Charlotte area, many homeowners are feeling the pinch in their wallets. Duke Energy — the primary energy provider in the region — has recently requested a rate increase to cover the higher fuel costs they have incurred. This increase could mean that homeowners will have to pay significantly more for their energy usage in the coming months.
In response to this news, many people are wondering what they can do to combat these rising energy costs. One solution is to invest in energy-efficient home upgrades that can help to lower energy usage and reduce monthly bills. In this blog, we cover some of the most impactful updates you can make to your home.
3 Energy-Efficient Upgrades To Make to Your Charlotte Home
There are several updates that Charlotte homeowners can make that can help alleviate the financial strain of rising energy costs in their homes, including:
LED Lightbulbs
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce energy consumption is to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. Replacing traditional incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs can reduce energy usage by up to 80%. Not only do LED bulbs use less energy, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Updated Appliances
Another way to reduce energy usage is to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. Many newer appliances are designed to use less energy while still providing the same level of performance. For example, upgrading to an energy-efficient refrigerator can save you around $300 in energy costs over its lifetime.
Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat can also help reduce energy usage. These thermostats can be set to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule, ensuring that you are only using energy when you need it most. Some smart thermostat options even allow you to remotely control your HVAC equipment via an app on your smartphone, giving you even more control over your energy consumption.
Other Ways To Save on Rising Energy Costs
Along with making updates to your home, there are several other ways that you can combat rising energy costs. The following simple actions might seem insignificant but can actually go a long way in helping you cut unnecessary energy costs:
- Turning off the lights when you leave a room
- Unplugging electronics when they are not in use
- Using natural light instead of artificial light whenever possible
- Cleaning or replacing air filters as recommended
- Using the right-sized burner while cooking
- Air-drying dishes and clothes
- Using smart power strips
- Doing full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
- Keeping your house a little hotter in the summer and little cooler in the winter
Trust Acosta With Your Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Overall, rising energy costs can be a challenge for homeowners in the Charlotte area. However, by investing in energy-efficient upgrades and making simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your energy usage and save money on your monthly bills.
Interested in making energy-efficient upgrades to your home? Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical can help! Our team offers a broad range of ENERGY STAR® rated appliances and fixtures perfect for helping Charlotte families save on rising energy costs.
Contact our team at 704.228.3938 to learn more about our energy-efficient upgrade options today.
