Making small investments in energy-saving measures can pay off in the long run. From big treatments to small habits, you can reap the rewards, both environmentally and financially, of keeping your household energy consumption low. It’s never too late to implement energy saving measures that keep your bills low, not to mention reduce carbon emissions.

Here are Top 10 Tips on how you can keep you energy bills low no matter what season.

1. Get unplugged
Make sure all plugs are pulled out. After use, inspect appliances that may still be plugged in to outlets. Check TV sets, heaters, mobile phone chargers, A/C units and other appliances that need to be unplugged when not in use.

2. Turn the lights off
In addition to unplugging idle appliances, make sure you’re using light bulbs economically. Ask all occupants in your house to make a habit of turning the lights off when they leave a room empty.

3. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
Use only compact fluorescent for your home. These bulbs produce the same light output with lesser energy consumption. Compact fluorescent bulbs come in various sizes and wattage in all supermarkets.

4. Put on caulks
Seal small cracks at home found in doors, windows and vents that allow cold air to seep inside the house. Exterior caulks can help keep the heat inside your home during winter.

5. Apply weather stripping
When you close your door and still see light peeking in, you need weather stripping treatment. This measure can help you save up to 10 percent on heating fees.

6. Install a tankless water heater
Unlike traditional water heaters, you don’t need to heat water all day when using a tankless water heater. The device only turns on when you run the faucet and shuts off when you close the faucet.

7. Place a programmable thermostat
Save 10 percent on your heating bills by installing a programmable thermostat.

8. Use a ceiling fan that comes with a heater
Instead of an A/C, rely on a ceiling fan to cool you on warmer days. Now you can also turn to one when you need heat.

9. Employ energy auditing
For lasting results and greater cuts on your energy bills, invest in energy auditing. Energy auditing covers a wider ground when it comes to energy conservation: it determines leaks and the condition of ventilation inside the house; conducts tests from determining mildew and moisture, the performance of installed A/C units, water breaks, to the faulty structures of a house that causes ventilation problems.

10. Get spray foam insulation
Considered as one of the most effective ways to save on energy bills, spray foam insulation is a non-toxic moisture and temperature controlling treatment. Eliminate the presence of molds in wood in your house that causes allergies. This process can protect 50 percent better than traditional insulation methods and can even shield your home from irritating outdoor noise and sounds. Even better,U.S.homes treated with spray foam insulation qualify for tax deductions.

To know where you can get energy auditing services and spray foam insulation treatment, particularly in the Louisiana area, visit www.ecostarfoam.com

You can also call us at: (504)383-3261 to learn more about other utility bills and energy-saving systems.

Most homes are spending a lot of money on their electric bills when they can actually do something to minimize their energy consumption. Not many people are aware that they are actually wasting energy every single day due to inefficient or old appliances, and even poor house insulation.   For those who want to save on their monthly energy bill by 15-30%, here are some ways:

1. Replace or do not use very old appliances. Instead of using inefficient appliances, it is better to purchase a new one that is more energy- efficient. This allows you to save money in the long run.
2. Purchase a programmable or remote control thermostat. Programmable thermostat is most recommended to those who often forget turning off their heating/cooling system at home before going to work. With a programmable thermostat, your heating/air-conditioning system will turn off or on by itself at times you need or not need it. Another way to reduce your energy consumption is the use of remote control thermostat. With a remote control thermostat, adjusting or turning your heating or air-conditioning system off is easier. So no more waking up from sleep just to adjust your home temperature.
3. Use energy efficient bulbs. Instead of using ultra bright bulbs, use energy-efficient bulbs that do not consume a lot of energy.
4. Lower heating or cooling temperatures.  Doing so will reduce your energy consumption on heating or cooling by 10-15% each year.
5. Use natural options. Another good way to reduce your energy bill is to use natural heating or cooling. For instance, in the summer, trees can offer shade or keep your home cooler. With a tree or two around your house, you sure can minimize the use of your air-conditioning unit most especially in the morning, late afternoon and evening. Also in the winter, having evergreen trees around will benefit you in terms of energy consumption as these trees can provide a wind break, making your home warmer during this period.
6. Insulate your home. This is also advised by the government. Insulating your home the right way will definitely help you reduce your energy consumption without having to sacrifice by minimizing the use of your appliances just to save money.  And one of the best insulation techniques these days is spray insulation. Spray insulation is used to seal cracks on your walls or ceiling so that home temperature during the winter or summer months is controlled. Your heating or air-conditioning units won’t have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature for you.

While there are many insulation materials available these days, the beauty of using spray foam is that it is liquid. Unlike other materials like fiberglass, spray foam is able to get into those little holes or cracks on walls or ceiling to prevent energy loss. Spray foam insulation is also best for attic, which is the part of the house that easily gets cool in the winter and hot in the summer mainly because it is close to the roof.

If you are living in New Orleans, Louisiana and want to minimize your home energy consumption through spray foam insulation, one of the companies that you can trust is www. ecostarfoam.com. For inquiries. call 504-383-3261