Want a More Energy Efficient Home?

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we all have bad habits. Maybe it’s forgivable if it doesn’t affect anyone but yourself. Sadly, it seldom does. The good news is that bad habits can always be changed. And when it comes to using energy, the sooner we transform our bad habits into good ones, the better it will be for us, our entire household, our country, and our planet. Being energy efficient shouldn’t be the exception, it should be the norm.

Practical Taxes strives to be the best accountant in Billings. So we have put together 6 do’s and don’ts that will help you become an energy saver through an energy efficient home. These will help you save money, reduce your impact on the environment, and still enjoy a happy and comfortable home.

Don’t leave appliances on standby. That small red light that remains on still uses up electricity just by being plugged in.

Do turn off and unplug all appliances that you aren’t using. This includes chargers which continue to use electricity even when they’re already fully charged. For commonly used appliances, try using a power strip. This way, you can easily switch power off and on without having to plug and unplug every time.

Don’t constantly wash clothes at a very high temperature. It doesn’t only make your bills go higher, it also makes your clothes shrink faster. Modern detergents don’t need hot water; science says 80 degrees is hot enough for most clothes (that’s barely over tap water temperature in most places).

Do wash your clothes at a lower temperature, or simply cold water from time to time, and wash full loads only. After washing, there’s no need to tumble dry your laundry all the time. When it’s a sunny day or a windy day, try air-drying your clothes. It’s not only an energy saver, it also helps make your laundry smell more pleasant.

Don’t take the sun for granted. It’s the easiest to use renewable resource we have.

When the sun is out, do welcome its warmth into your home by opening your blinds, curtains and drapes. When evening comes, keep the warmth in by closing your rooms off. With leftover natural warmth, your heater will not have to work as hard to keep the room warm and cozy.

Don’t insist on using lights that are pleasant to the eyes, but not to your budget. The days of bright 40-watt, 60-watt, and 75-watt incandescent bulbs are over.

Do replace those energy-burning high-wattage lights. Use energy-efficient lights like light-emitting diode or LED bulbs. Although significantly more pricey than general lighting bulbs, LED lights tend to be more of an investment because of the expected energy savings you’ll reap in the long run. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) are also an option. They’re less costly and almost as energy-efficient as LEDs; however, they don’t last as long. Don’t forget to clean your lights regularly too so that it always gives off its maximum brightness, not dimmed by dirt and dust.

Don’t ignore those drafts. When combined, those small leaks and gaps that let cold air in and warm air out can result in a very noticeable difference. And not in a good way.

Do seal everything up so that air is kept in and let out, only through openings and entries that should. Use caulk, sealant, or weather-stripping to plug cracks, gaps, and leaks on walls, doors, windows and electrical outlets.

Don’t close your mind to the idea of going solar.

Do give solar energy a chance. Global warming is a very real threat and it’s time to seriously consider doing as much as possible to save energy and help keep our planet alive. The initial cost of solar power installation might immediately turn you off. It shouldn’t, though. Having your home powered with solar energy might just be the most energy-efficient move you can ever make. You’ll just have to open your mind to its possibilities. Even in our northern climate, your house can convert a lot of sunlight to electricity.

Practical Taxes Wants to Save You Money

Whether we are helping save you money on your taxes, get a bigger tax refund, or save you time, we believe in doing all that we can to make sure you are living a rich life. In order to be the best accountant in Billings, we believe in passing along money saving tips whenever possible. Those tips include making your home more energy efficient.

Want to get started saving money on your taxes? Call 406-894-2050 today!