Lower Your Thermostat
During the summer months, close the blinds, shades, and drapes to help keep the temperature cooler. Throughout the winter, open the shades to let the sun warm your home. Also, adopt the habit of lowering the temperature on your thermostat while away from home. Dropping the temperature by three to five degrees will reduce your monthly utility bill and exert less energy. According to Energy.gov, lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during the workday and at night will save 5 percent to 15 percent every year.
Replace Filters
A good rule of thumb is to change your air conditioner filters at least every three months. Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing your system to work harder and waste energy. Getting into this habit also prevents heavy dust and dirt buildup throughout your whole system that can cause expensive maintenance or even premature system failure.
Tune-Up Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems operating correctly and efficiently can save you frustration as well as money. An annual inspection ensures that your furnace and air conditioner run at peak efficiency, connections are tightened, parts stay properly lubricated, and coils remain cleaned. Tuning up your HVAC system will save you money every month.
Seal All Windows
Go the extra mile by sealing the air leaks in and around the windows of your home. If it is drafty, consider adding weatherstripping around the frames or applying a sheet of shrink film to the windows. Sealing gaps is an easy and inexpensive way to lower energy costs. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient windows or adding solar shades or tinting film.
Install Solar Panels
Although solar panels are not cheap, they are becoming a popular way to heat hot water and generate electricity for homes. In the long run, solar panels save money on energy bills, promote lower fossil fuel usage, and may help you qualify for annual tax incentives. Typically, they are installed on your roof and cut your electricity costs by generating energy independently of your utility company.
Turn Off Unnecessary Water
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average homeowner can save about $170 a year with small changes to their water usage. By setting the water heater to 120°F, you may save between 7 percent and 11 percent on your water heating costs. Be conscious of running water while brushing your teeth, shaving, or bathing. Showers typically account for two-thirds of water heating costs. By reducing your shower and installing low-flow showerheads, you may help cut your costs by a third.
Don’t Wash with Hot Water
Avoid running your washing machine with hot water. When possible, wash your clothes in warm or cold water. According to Treehugger.com, 90 percent of the energy exerted by your washing machine is to heat the water, and the other 10 percent is to run the device. Using cold water for each load conserves energy.
Unplug Unused Chargers
Cell phones and battery chargers that remain plugged in but are not in use act as energy vampires. Alone, one charger will not make much impact, but collectively energy vampires can be responsible for 10 percent of your energy bill. Your cell phone only takes a few hours to charge; therefore, do not leave it plugged in overnight.
Replace Your Desktop Computer
Only turn on your computer, monitor, printer, and fax machine when you need to use them. Also, when the time comes to replace that desktop computer, consider replacing it with a laptop. Laptops may be more expensive, but they are greener. According to SmallBusinessChron.com, laptops use up to 80 percent less electricity and run on less energy.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs
In 2014, manufacturers stopped producing 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs. Yet, more than half of the light sockets in the United States still contain an inefficient bulb. Don't fear; we are not doomed to live in the dark. Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer longer-lasting light and use about 90 percent less energy than regular bulbs. Since the average home uses 40 bulbs, switching over to greener bulbs is a great way to save on your electrical bill.
Buy Energy Star Products
As soon as you can upgrade or replace the heating and cooling system in your home, consider purchasing equipment, such as refrigerators, televisions, stoves, washing machines, and air conditioners, with an Energy Star efficiency rating. The first year of operation usually produces impressive savings. For example, Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Anyone can take steps to become more eco-friendley and energy-efficient, whether you are a hardcore do-it-yourselfer or someone simply tired of sending a big check to the power company every month. With all the savings, what will you do with the extra money?
During the summer months, close the blinds, shades, and drapes to help keep the temperature cooler. Throughout the winter, open the shades to let the sun warm your home. Also, adopt the habit of lowering the temperature on your thermostat while away from home. Dropping the temperature by three to five degrees will reduce your monthly utility bill and exert less energy. According to Energy.gov, lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during the workday and at night will save 5 percent to 15 percent every year.
Replace Filters
A good rule of thumb is to change your air conditioner filters at least every three months. Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing your system to work harder and waste energy. Getting into this habit also prevents heavy dust and dirt buildup throughout your whole system that can cause expensive maintenance or even premature system failure.
Tune-Up Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems operating correctly and efficiently can save you frustration as well as money. An annual inspection ensures that your furnace and air conditioner run at peak efficiency, connections are tightened, parts stay properly lubricated, and coils remain cleaned. Tuning up your HVAC system will save you money every month.
Seal All Windows
Go the extra mile by sealing the air leaks in and around the windows of your home. If it is drafty, consider adding weatherstripping around the frames or applying a sheet of shrink film to the windows. Sealing gaps is an easy and inexpensive way to lower energy costs. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient windows or adding solar shades or tinting film.
Install Solar Panels
Although solar panels are not cheap, they are becoming a popular way to heat hot water and generate electricity for homes. In the long run, solar panels save money on energy bills, promote lower fossil fuel usage, and may help you qualify for annual tax incentives. Typically, they are installed on your roof and cut your electricity costs by generating energy independently of your utility company.
Turn Off Unnecessary Water
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average homeowner can save about $170 a year with small changes to their water usage. By setting the water heater to 120°F, you may save between 7 percent and 11 percent on your water heating costs. Be conscious of running water while brushing your teeth, shaving, or bathing. Showers typically account for two-thirds of water heating costs. By reducing your shower and installing low-flow showerheads, you may help cut your costs by a third.
Don’t Wash with Hot Water
Avoid running your washing machine with hot water. When possible, wash your clothes in warm or cold water. According to Treehugger.com, 90 percent of the energy exerted by your washing machine is to heat the water, and the other 10 percent is to run the device. Using cold water for each load conserves energy.
Unplug Unused Chargers
Cell phones and battery chargers that remain plugged in but are not in use act as energy vampires. Alone, one charger will not make much impact, but collectively energy vampires can be responsible for 10 percent of your energy bill. Your cell phone only takes a few hours to charge; therefore, do not leave it plugged in overnight.
Replace Your Desktop Computer
Only turn on your computer, monitor, printer, and fax machine when you need to use them. Also, when the time comes to replace that desktop computer, consider replacing it with a laptop. Laptops may be more expensive, but they are greener. According to SmallBusinessChron.com, laptops use up to 80 percent less electricity and run on less energy.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs
In 2014, manufacturers stopped producing 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs. Yet, more than half of the light sockets in the United States still contain an inefficient bulb. Don't fear; we are not doomed to live in the dark. Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer longer-lasting light and use about 90 percent less energy than regular bulbs. Since the average home uses 40 bulbs, switching over to greener bulbs is a great way to save on your electrical bill.
Buy Energy Star Products
As soon as you can upgrade or replace the heating and cooling system in your home, consider purchasing equipment, such as refrigerators, televisions, stoves, washing machines, and air conditioners, with an Energy Star efficiency rating. The first year of operation usually produces impressive savings. For example, Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Anyone can take steps to become more eco-friendley and energy-efficient, whether you are a hardcore do-it-yourselfer or someone simply tired of sending a big check to the power company every month. With all the savings, what will you do with the extra money?
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