Each new season brings changes in weather, color and, don’t forget, your electric bill! Here are 5 easy, but professional, tips to help you save big.

1. Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

Do you know how much energy your old (but still kicking) fridge is eating up? You’d be surprised! According to This Old House, 20% of our electricity bill’s balance comes from appliances running in the background. Of course, you can’t just unplug your dishwasher - but opting for Energy Star-qualified appliances can save you a pretty penny! If you’re hoping to lower those bills long-term, look into replacing your dishwasher, washing machine, or refrigerator to reduce cost. You can easily find out how old your appliances are by finding the serial/model number (usually located on the interior of the door), and Google, Google, Google. You may also be able to find it in the dusty owner’s manual shoved in the trusty junk drawer we all have.

2. Maintenance Matters

Eyeballing the water heater may not be the best way to maintain your larger appliances. Before your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of an Arkansas summer, or your heater goes out just as you’re breaking out the winter hot cocoa, service the big ticket items so you aren’t facing a bigger bill out of the blue! It can be hard to remember to schedule check-ups, so we’ll take it off your hands with our Comfy Club and keep your HVAC system running smoothly with regular servicing!

3. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

If you feel a draft in your home, you’re not only losing money, but probably losing more than you think. Air leakage occurs when outside air enters your home and conditioned air leaves uncontrollably through cracks and unsealed openings. Reducing these leaks is a great way to cut down on heating and cooling costs while creating an overall healthier environment. One way to do this by caulking and weatherstripping cracks and openings around doors and window frames to seal drafts. This is a quick investment for immediate savings!

4. Unplug

Unplug appliances and electronics not regularly used. Each plug uses minute amounts of energy even when not in use, and if you’re not using it, why waste the money - small savings add up! Put away the stand-alone mixer or pull the cord on that old video game console, and we guarantee you’ll save on the energy bill long term!

5. Take the LED Plunge

Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives can save you quite a bit. Switching to Energy Star-rated LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer, according to the Energy Department. You don’t want to miss out on this one! According to Go Banking Rates, “The estimated cost of electricity to light a 6-foot [Christmas] tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days is $10 with incandescent C-9 lights, compared to just 27 cents with LED lights of the same size.” That’s almost 100% savings!