Using less energy is good for the environment and great for your wallet. Several factors can cause electricity bills to rise, and many of them are preventable! Follow our list to find out how to save on energy bills with simple switches.
1. Seal Up Gaps
Check the seals around your doors and windows to prevent temperature-controlled air from escaping. The more air that escapes, the more you will have to pay to replace it. If there are gaps around your doors and windows, caulking and weatherstripping can help you save energy.
Patching cracks and replacing broken seals can save 10-20% on energy. Also, be sure to check the seals on your appliances so that your fridge is not releasing cool air into your home.
2. Lower the Thermostat
If you turn your thermostat down for eight hours a day, you can save up to 10% on power. Set your thermostat back between seven to 10 degrees below its normal setting. Try implementing a reliable program during the workday or at night. Eight hours a day can save you a substantial amount of money on your electric bill, and you can customize your program to fit your needs.
3. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
When you wash clothes in warm water, you waste a lot of energy heating the water instead of putting it toward a warm shower. Washing your clothes in cold water can save energy and divide resources efficiently.
4. Take Shorter Showers
Water heaters use an incredible amount of energy throughout your entire home. Reducing the time you spend in the shower can help you save money on energy and use less water. Set a timer for your showers to keep track of how long you let the water run. Research shows that cutting your shower time by two minutes can save 10 gallons of water.
5. Use Energy-Saving Lightbulbs
Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs is easy. Depending on the kind you choose, energy-efficient bulbs can use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer, so you can spend less money on replacement bulbs.
6. Close the Door and Curtains
Keeping the door shut throughout the day can keep heated or cooled air inside your home. Letting the air escape will require more energy to heat or cool the house.
Sunlight is a great natural source of heat. If you leave your curtains open throughout the day and allow the sunlight in, you can trap the heat at night by shutting the curtains.
7. Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Phantom energy loss is when appliances that are not in use draw energy. Devices such as televisions and computers remain in a constant standby mode when you leave them plugged in. Unplugging them saves energy. Using a smart power strip that cuts off the current when appliances are not in use is another way to help with phantom energy loss.
8.Change Furnace Filters Regularly
Replacing your furnace’s air filter every three months can help your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system run more efficiently. Replacing old or dirty filters with clean ones can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%.
9. Run Appliances Strategically
Using your appliances unnecessarily wastes energy. Run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load, so you don’t have to waste energy on repeated washes. Soak stained clothing until you can wash it with a complete load of laundry. You will save water, energy and time when you only do laundry or the dishes in bulk.
10. Perform an Energy Audit
Energy audits can show you how you use your energy. To improve your energy habits, you must understand which areas of your home use the most power. This way, you can maximize your effort to reduce energy consumption.
A local professional can perform an energy audit in-house to help you understand where your energy is going and how to reduce your usage. Energy audits are useful for people who question their energy habits.
Employ Energy-Saving Strategies at Home
You can add various ways to save on energy bills to your daily routine. Start small with your energy goals and grow them over time so that efficiency is manageable. If you get an energy audit, you can base your objectives on the most effective methods for your home.
If you’re interested in buying an energy-efficient home and saving on your loan, contact CIS Home Loans today for more information about our loan services.