One of the first expenses that new homeowners incur is their energy bills. Unless the house has just been built, there are usually several ways to reduce energy costs. And, even if owners do live in a new residence, there are measures that they can take to minimize their energy bills, some of which are quite simple. The solution is not just turning out lights in rooms that are not in use.

Idle Electronics

For one thing, there is a great amount of electricity used by idle electronics. Many people leave their computers, phones, and other devices on when they could shut them off and conserve much energy. For, the electricity consumed by idle electronics in the United States is equivalent to the electricity generated by as many as 50 power plants. This idle time costs households from $165-400 per year. Using power strips for the electronics can save money when owners turn off the strips that end idle time.

Repairs to the Home

Often the benefits of heating and air conditioning systems are minimalized by several areas of the home. Doors and windows can allow drafts if not sealed well as together windows and doors account for 20-25% of energy loss. The addition of storm windows is helpful in reducing energy costs. Repairing ceilings, wall vents and floors, too, can eliminate nearly 30% of energy loss. Closing off wall outlets not in use also helps reduce about 10% of air leaks. In addition, replacing old heating and air conditioning systems with a heat pump reduces the energy usage and expense in a home because heat pumps transfer heat from one site to another. For instance, it uses the outside air to produce cool temperatures inside and vice versa. Thus, a heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling the interior of a home.

Ductwork and Roof Repair

Another important repair that can be made to conserve energy is on the ductwork of the home. This ductwork should be well-insulated as should other areas such as exterior and interior walls, floors above crawl spaces, attics, cathedral ceilings and the roof. Windows need to be caulked and sealed as do doors. Of course, roof repair is essential to containing heat in cold weather since heat rises. A well-constructed roof also prevents water damage and mold from invading the home. Roofing companies provide many types of asphalt composition shingles, stone-coated steel and metal roofs.