The prospect of owning a home is both exciting and daunting. Thoughts of independence and freedoms often come pouring in. However, owning a home also brings a new type of responsibility than can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners. In particular, making the shift from apartment living to owning a home can be overwhelming.

Dealing with a hefty utility bill can be a nightmare, and knowing how to perform an energy audit can be the ultimate money-saver. An energy audit is a term used in the industry that simply means locating the areas or devices where power is being sucked away and determining how much energy is being lost. Often charging $400 or more, companies are able to perform this service for homeowners. However, by performing your own energy audit you can easily avoid this fee and headache altogether.

Here are some helpful tips on how to perform an energy audit in your home:

Locating the “phantom” appliances and electronics

Common knowledge tells us that once an object is turned off, it is actually turned off. Devices such as coffeemakers, our cell phones and our televisions have so-called stand-by modes meaning that while they are technically turned off, they are still using energy. This energy loss from “phantom” devices can cause up to 10 percent of your energy costs. If the device has an indicator light, a charger or AC power adapter on the cord it’s a “phantom.” When in doubt, simply unplug the device from the wall.

A Well-Worn Fridge

Refrigerators are never turned off. They are part of our everyday lives that we often take for granted, and can also be a source of wasted energy. Regular wear and tear on the rubber lining of the refrigerator door makes it less efficient. In addition, dust and dirt collected on the coils over the years make it more expensive to use overall. To test the rubber lining on the door, close the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily, it may be time to replace the rubber lining. It is also helpful to dust the coils with a feather duster. By simply doing these things, you are able to improve your fridge’s cooling abilities by 25 percent.

Regular Upkeep

Your refrigerator and “phantom” devices are just a couple of trouble spots found in the average home. There are many more. However, with regular maintenance you will cut the cost of your utility bill. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater located in Largo, FL provides regular maintenance, such as their Filter Club and the Comfort Club. The Comfort Club provides two maintenance visits a year and priority service calls.

In addition, the Filter Club provides customers with 12 filters a year and emailed reminders when it is time to change your filter. With some simple and quick adjustments, you can drastically cut down on your energy bill.