Home is truly where the heart is. It’s where you make memories with your families and where much of your life happens. All homes are not created equal however, especially when it comes to the work needed to sustain it. It’s especially true of older homes, which may not have been built during stricter house codes.

But, there’s nothing to fear because there are easy ways to help save on your electric bill! You may have tried in the past without results but it’s the quick fixes which surprisingly make all the difference. With the right materials and upgrades you’ll be saying “goodbye” to steep bill fees in no time.

Check on Your Chimney

This first rule of thumb goes without saying. Homes with chimneys have charm to them, but could be costing you a fortune. According to the Department of Energy, chimneys use 24,000  cubic feet of furnace air every single hour. Cold air is also a hidden culprit and why your chimney might be working so hard to keep your home warm.

It’s best to place a chimney damper at the mouth of your chimney,  which will solve downdraft problems when it’s not being used and keep the warm air in on a cold winter night. Turn your thermostat down too so you’ll cut down on costs even more.

Seal Up Cracks and Gaps

Older homes are wonderful because there’s so much history behind them. But many times people move into houses with windows and walls that haven’t been maintained over the years. Replacing window fixtures or starting a major renovation can be costly, but you can easily sidestep this problem! Fill in cracks, gaps and holes around or near windows, doors, and plumbing as another alternative to keep air inside the house.

By doing this, you can save almost ten percent on your monthly bills. Regardless if it’s winter or summer, air will now stay in and you stay happier paying less on your electric bill all year long.

Install Insulation

Many old homes were built during a time with different code regulations which means you’ll have to do some leg work to cut down on your electric bill. Adding roof or attic insulation to your home is an inexpensive way to ensure all the heat in your house stays put.

The cost for ceiling insulation is much lower than attempting to insulate walls, so starting at the top will be the best way to stay cool or warm when the seasons change. Spending the time to make sure insulation is thick enough and snug is also key to ensuring the insulation will actually do its job.

Be Kind To Your Furnace

Furnaces can last for a long time, but can be last even longer and be more efficient if you take the time to tune them up periodically. By finding trustworthy contractors to clean up your furnace fans and tightening their belts, you’ll save hundreds of dollars a year.

You can also prevent heated air from leaking into your attic or crawl spaces by also sealing ductwork with mastic duct sealant.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

The act of taking nice, warm showers all-year round is costing you a fortune; eleven percent of your overall utility bills to be specific. If you replace the water heater every three to four years, you’ll only have to worry about installation costs. Overtime, the money you save will balance out the higher cost for an energy efficient water heater. If you aren’t able to take care of it now, try purchasing a water heater blanket. They only cost about fifteen dollars and though they not save you as much on your bill, it still helps to cut back on spending.

The little things matter when it comes to saving money on your home. Most homeowners -especially first time owners- aren’t aware that making these basic changes can save them money in the long run. Understanding how often you need to cool or heat your home and when it’s ok to turn things down is crucial for successfully saving money.