If you are still in shock at your latest utility bills, know that you are not alone. Parents across the DC region have been arguing over thermostat settings and worrying about keeping kids warm or cool.
The good news is that there are many tools at your disposal to not only keep your kids comfy year ‘round but also to make your home healthier and safer for them.
You can learn more about programs and incentives, get free advice, check out products in person and win a few state-of-the-art appliances, at Electrify DC’s annual FREE Healthy Homes Fair on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 5pm at Catholic University. It’s free, fun and kid-friendly! We even have a solar-powered bouncy castle!
Here are the 6 key strategies to lower utility bills
1. Weatherize
Why pay for energy that you don’t use? Weatherization involves not only insulating your home, but also sealing leaks around places like windows, doors and the foundation. While there are DIY options for those who are handy with a caulk gun and other basic supplies, the most thorough approach starts with getting a home energy audit. Professionals will measure the leakiness of your home and hand you a report laying out various steps to tighten it up and make it more comfortable. You can find energy auditors and get a free energy check up at the fair.
2. Go solar
Installing rooftop solar can significantly reduce your utility bills over the long term. But perhaps as important is that they will buffer you against the volatility of energy prices. Once the panels are in, the electricity they generate is free – and some DC residents make thousands of dollars a year by selling back power to utilities in the form of solar renewable energy credits. Even if you’re not a homeowner, or if your roof isn’t a good fit there may be more options in the near future to get in on the solar revolution.
DC, Maryland, and Virginia are among dozens of U.S. states that are weighing legislation that would allow balcony solar – portable panels that can meet an estimated 10-30% of your home’s electricity demand. Typically involving two to four panels, balcony solar is hugely popular in some European countries, and it was recently allowed in Utah. Come chat with neighbors in the Healthy Homes Fair’s Sun Room to learn more.
3. Get more efficient appliances
Whether you need to heat up water for your showers, control indoor air temperature, or dry your clothes, appliances that make use of heat pump technology are by far the most efficient. So, as these appliances start to reach the end of life, consider installing replacements that incorporate heat pump technology. It can take some planning and preparation – ask an electric coach for guidance – but it’s well worth the effort.
Heat pump HVAC systems, for example, are typically 3-4 times as efficient as their fossil fuel counterparts. Rather than burn fuel, heat pumps efficiently move energy from one place to another, and they can cool your home as well as heat it. And as a bonus, they do so without creating any indoor pollutants, such as carbon monoxide. At the Fair you can enter to win a heat pump mini split system and an all-in-one heat pump washer and dryer to save you space, time and energy.
4. Electrify your transportation
Aside from having zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles are much less expensive to operate than similar gas-powered vehicles in almost any circumstance. So while charging at home will increase your utility bill, your expenses for gas or diesel will drop by even more. And of course, nothing beats biking (with or without a battery) or walking, for efficiency and health. Come test drive EVs and test ride lots of family-friendly e-bikes at the Healthy Homes Fair!
5. Cook with induction
Using magnets rather than gas flame or an electric element, induction cooktops are the most efficient and precise cooking technology. Since cooking is such a small portion of our energy use, it’s not going to have a huge impact on your utility bill. Where it really makes a difference is in health and safety. Cooking indoors with gas has well-researched health risks, such as increased childhood asthma risk.
Induction ranges are also a great way to get the little ones to try out cooking, because there are no open flames or hot elements to avoid touching. I’ve been cooking on induction with my kids since 2007! You can get started with a portable induction cooktop for less than $100. Just make sure you have the right cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Anything that a magnet will stick to will work.
6. Plant a tree
Shading your home with a tree can lower your AC costs. Trees also provide wildlife habitat, soak up storm water, absorb carbon dioxide, and help avoid the heat islands that are common in cities. Who doesn’t love trees. Pick one up for free at the Healthy Homes Fair courtesy of our friends at Casey Trees!
These are by no means the only tools you can use to make your home more comfortable, healthy and efficient. And not all will work for your home and circumstances. But there are solutions available for any household. Come to Healthy Homes Fair and figure out which ones are right for you.
Guest Author Bio: Vanessa Bertelli
Vanessa was born in Switzerland, and lived in four continents before settling in Washington DC. She has three teenagers who are her pride and joy. When she is not working to make our homes healthier, safer and more affordable to power as a the co-founder and executive director of nonprofit Electrify DC, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and children (the children part is more and more rare and precious these days) and weeding in Rock Creek Park.
