You invest a lot of time and money into your home, so you should be able to experience energy-saving efficiencies. We have compiled 13 easy and effective tips that can save money while reducing the amount of energy used in your home.
1. Let your interior designer out! Hardwood and tile floors don’t hold in heat as well as carpet. To avoid cringing when you step on ice-cold floors, add area rugs for style and warmth. In addition to flooring, you can reorganize your furniture to make sure your heating and cooling vents aren’t blocked while giving your home a whole new life.
2. Take on a project! Upgrading inefficient appliances can make a tremendous impact on your energy savings. Although the initial investment may be hefty, quick fixes may not completely solve problems that old appliances cause. Some appliances to consider updating include air conditioners and refrigerators as they are major energy users.
3. Enjoy cozier nights! When heading to bed, avoid upping the temperature on your thermostat as there is an energy-saving option even simpler than piling on blankets. The best way to prevent the cool night air from entering your home is closing your curtains and blinds. This quick fix can make a noticeable difference to you and your energy bill.
4. Get a new addition! Planting a tree is a fun, easy and environmentally-friendly project. Not only can it serve as a bonding experience or some quality alone time, you can also notice reduced cooling costs by up to 25 percent. Although you may not notice an effect immediately, a tree can eventually add shade in the summer and block wind in the winter.
5. Less really is more! A large electric oven may seem like a convenient cooking option, but opting for smaller kitchen appliances can really make a difference in your home energy usage. For example, you can cook with microwaves, toaster ovens and slow-cookers that are effective and utilize 75 percent less energy than huge appliances.
6. Make it easier on yourself! Energy saving doesn’t have to be all hard work and change! Running the dishwasher instead of doing dishes by hand wastes significantly less heated water. Another way you can reduce your workload and your energy bill is eliminating pre-rinsing since it actually wastes up to 20 gallons of heated water per day.
7. Use those efficient packing skills! Over the years, you have probably learned a thing or two about packing to maximize space. Those skills can actually translate to fridge and freezer storage too! Inefficient packing leaves more open space, which allows warm air to enter the fridge and freezer and requires more work to get back to colder temperatures.
8. Let technology help you! You always have your phone on you, so why not control energy-saving at your fingertips? There are several apps that can help you conveniently track energy including Wattulator and Leafully. Whether you’re more of a numbers person or an involved learner, there are apps tailored to your unique wants and needs.
9. Save money and time! Instead of taking a long bath, you can opt for a quick shower to not only reduce the amount of time it takes to get ready, but also save on your home energy costs. One way to make this effort easier is to consider how a five-minute shower uses about 7.5 gallons of hot water while filling a bathtub can utilize up to 20 gallons.
10. Insulation is key! Soundproof Windows are a great way to experience savings and peace within your home. These Windows not only block out unwanted outside noise by up to 95%, they also double as energy-efficient Windows made of high-quality materials that minimize energy loss. Investing in your home to create a quiet and peaceful environment for your family is a simple, easy, and cost effective way to preserve energy.
11. Take control of your energy usage! Leaving your electronics plugged in when they are off or in standby mode can heavily impact your energy bill. Easy fixes for this problem include unplugging things like your cell phone or computer when they are off and adding power strips around your home to make turning devices on and off much simpler.
12. Wind down with warm laundry! If your power company offers non-peak discounts, you could save money by doing your laundry after 8pm. The same goes for appliances like your dishwater that use up significant portions of energy. Just think of getting into bed with clean, warm sheets and you’ll realize why late-night laundry is a great option.
13. Turn off those lights! Turning off lights is one of the simplest energy-saving fixes. If you tend to stay in one room or on one floor of your home, consider turning off lights in areas you frequent less. This is especially important for rooms with older, incandescent light bulbs that go to maximum brightness right away and therefore are more costly.
Energy-saving homes are all the rage right now and you can easily jump onboard with a few of the above fixes. Considering the little things and incorporating some creativity can really make a difference in your home’s energy usage and the number on your energy bill.
