Making your home more energy-efficient is a great way to save money.
There are numerous things you can do that will affect how much energy it takes to heat and cool your home. Some of these things require making significant changes, while others are small actions you can take to make an impact.
Read on to learn what 6 things you can do today to make your home more energy-efficient.
Change your light bulbs to LED lights
One of the easiest to identify energy wasters in your home is your light bulbs. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights will reduce the amount of electricity needed to power them by 75 percent. By making this simple switch, you can save money long-term on your electric bill while also reducing the impact on the environment through lower electricity usage.
Install a programmable thermostat for heating and cooling
Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to save money on your utility bills and reduce the impact on the environment simply by changing the temperature in your home throughout the day. During times when you will be away from home, such as work during the day and sleeping at night, you can set the thermostat to automatically lower the temperature and save money.
Seal any cracks in the home’s envelope (doors, windows, etc.) to keep air from escaping
Not only will sealing up small holes and cracks around doors and windows prevent unwanted drafts during cold weather, but it can also help reduce the amount of cool or hot air escaping from your home. This will allow you to turn down the temperature on your heating and cooling system, thus saving money on utility bills during the warmer months.
Additionally, if you have old or damaged windows you may want to consider installing energy saving residential windows.
Insulate pipes that lead outside of the home or into unheated areas
Another easy way to reduce energy usage is by insulating any pipes leading outside of the home or into unheated areas. This will keep hot or cool air inside rather than allowing it to escape through the pipe.
Run water only when necessary and use low flow fixtures
One of the easiest things you can do to reduce energy usage is by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. It is also important not to waste water on items that do not need it, such as watering grass, which can be accomplished through installing low-flow fixtures.
Turn off electronics when not in use to avoid phantom power draw
Last but not least, it is important to turn off all electronics when they are not in use. Not only will this help reduce your energy usage and save you money on utility bills, but it will also allow your appliances a much longer life.
Conclusion
By making these six simple changes to your home’s energy system, you will be able to save money on your utility bills, reduce the amount of energy you consume, and play a part in keeping our planet healthy for future generations.
