Save Money on Utilities

We build Arbor homes with a variety of features designed to deliver energy savings. From the way we pour foundations to the type of insulation we install, your new Arbor home’s construction ensures that your utility bills will be lower. But there are more ways to save money on utilities in a new home. We’ve collected great ideas to help you lower those bills—simple fixes that make a big difference.

Top tips for utility savings from Arbor Homes:

• Seal the gaps. Twice a year, go around your home and seal any cracks or gaps that may allow drafts. Use caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows, and keep your home weather-tight.
• Change or clean furnace filters monthly. When you keep your filters clean, your heating and air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work so hard—saving energy, which saves you money. It’s also a good idea to get your HVAC system serviced every spring and fall to identify any problems before they become expensive emergencies.
• Check ceiling fan rotation. Did you know that running your ceiling fans clockwise during the winter and counterclockwise during the summer can make your heating and cooling run more efficiently and more cost effectively?Keep your basement and bedroom doors open whenever you can. Balanced air circulation keeps your heating and cooling from having to work overtime.
• Maintain your garage door. Make sure that you keep your garage door clean and free of debris to ensure proper opening and closing.
• Don’t underestimate the sun. In summer, keep blinds and curtains closed during the day. In winter, leave them open during the day, but closed at night. These simple fixes help the sun’s warmth work for you instead of against you.
• Dress for the weather. Dressing more warmly in the winter and with lighter clothing in the summer makes it more comfortable to set your thermostat a few degrees higher or lower depending on the season. Even one or two degrees can make a huge difference in your utility bills. Try keeping your house at 73 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. It’s not a huge difference in temperature, but you’ll see significant savings.

Arbor Homes loves to help our homeowners! If you found these tips helpful, you may also be interested in ideas for lawn care and checklists for seasonal home maintenance on our blog!