When you want to lower your energy use and reduce utility costs, there are several things you can do around the house to get quick results. Related costs are generally worth the investment based on immediate savings that will begin to repay your outlay. Here are some suggestions for improvements you can make in your home to use less energy.

Weather Seal the Doors

Check your home's entrance doors to ensure they are firmly insulated with weather stripping. If you can see the light gaps between the door and its fitting when closed, the weather strips need to be replaced with new material that will protect your home from cold air coming inside. Some people also use a door stopper on the inside of the door or an all-weather mat on the outside to keep air drafts out. This is an especially important step to take as the season changes to fall and winter.

Schedule HVAC Inspections

Annual HVAC inspections and maintenance help to keep the heating and cooling systems operating efficiently year-round. Routine checkups can find small problems before they become bigger. If work is needed, an ac repair may help to decrease your energy consumption. The same is true for your furnace or other heating system. You should also change the filters a few times a year to ensure consistent filtering of the air circulating through your home. Clogged filters force your HVAC systems to work harder to do their job. You might even need to update your HVAC system altogether to a newer, more energy-efficient one. This can seem like a costly upgrade at first, but overtime the savings will add up and it will be worth it.

Update the Windows

If you suspect your windows are letting cool air in your home and forcing your heating system to work harder, there are several things you can do. Check the windows to see if the weather strips are still effective. If they are deteriorating, replace them with new weather strips. You can also change your window coverings to let in more sunlight and heat when needed or to keep it out for cooler indoor air. Windows that are getting older and worn can be replaced for a snug fit in the frame to keep outdoor temperatures out.

Enhance the Insulation

Your home's insulation may be inadequate for protecting your interior rooms from extreme temperatures. Research the cost of having new or additional insulation blown into the attic or walls. The work may be cheaper if done during the off season. If you can do it yourself, the cost will be even lower.

If you want to become more eco-friendly, especially around your home, keep an eye on your energy use and look for ways to reduce the amount needed in your house. A few repairs like these could make a big difference in your home's comfort level, energy use, and utility costs.

About the Author:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter: @EmmaSturgis2