Improving the energy efficiency of your home will not only help you save money on utilities but also maintain your home's comfort year-round. While there are many ways, ranging from cheap to expensive, to save energy, in this post we share our top 10 tips.
1. Make sure you have the proper insulation in your walls, floors, and ceilings. Insulation keeps air from escaping or entering your home and will help keep you comfortable during the colder months. Pay special attention to your attic and basement as a drafty attic means you lose heat in the wintertime. A basement that has not been air sealed and insulated will let cold air in during winter months and cold air out during summer months.
2. Use Energy Star-rated appliances to save money on utilities over time. These appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind and are 20-40% more energy efficient than models made even just ten years ago. Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can draw a lot of electricity and water meaning more efficient models can make a big difference in your bills.
3. Change your air filters regularly to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. Dirty filters can cause strain on the system and will end up costing you more. This leads us to our next tip.
4. Have your heating and cooling systems inspected regularly to ensure they are running efficiently. This can help extend the life of the system and save you money in the long run. With these energy-saving tips, you’ll be able to stay comfortable all year round while saving money on your utility bills!
5. Upgrade to LED light bulbs as they are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs can save you up to 75% more energy! They not only save you on your electricity bills but also help the environment.
6. Replace any old, drafty windows and doors with newer, energy-efficient models. This will help to keep cool air from escaping during the summer months and keep heat in during the wintertime. If replacing windows entirely is not in your budget, you can replace weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent air from leaking out of your home when it’s cold outside. This will keep your home warm and cozy during the winter months and prevent cool air from leaking in the summer months.
7. Install a programmable thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home and conserve energy when no one is around. Some "smart" options will even allow you to control your thermostat remotely; how cool is that!!?
8. Invest in a smart power strip that will automatically turn off electronics and appliances when they’re not being used, preventing wasted electricity. This can help you save up to $100 a year on your electricity bills! You could also take this a step further and unplug any electronics that are not being used as they still draw power even when turned off.
9. Use cold water when doing laundry as it uses less energy than hot water and is just as effective for cleaning clothes! And if you can, hang your clothes up to dry instead of using the dryer. The sun is a great natural way to get your clothes dry and smelling fresh!
10. Make sure all vents, radiators, and baseboard heaters are not blocked by furniture or rugs. Blocking them will cause them to work inefficiently and waste energy. By making sure all air flows freely, you can ensure that your home is heated and cooled properly.
By following these tips, you will be able to save money on your utility bills year-round while keeping your home comfortable. So get started today and start seeing the savings!
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