Renters and homeowners alike can take steps at no or low cost to reduce their energy bills throughout the year. Simple actions, like setting appliances to power-saving settings or using ceiling fans can make an impactful difference in energy bills.
Installing a programmable thermostat and investing in insulation are effective strategies for cutting heating and cooling costs. Also, replacing appliances with energy-efficient models from ENERGY STAR, washing laundry in cold water and using bathroom ventilation fans to draw out hot air can significantly lower energy consumption.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances save you money on electricity bills while helping the planet. Simply upgrading existing washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and water heaters with more energy-efficient models is a simple way to make a difference.
Installing energy-efficient light bulbs is another simple DIY upgrade that takes minimal time and energy to complete. Switching to LED lights uses 75% less energy than their traditional incandescent counterparts.
Utilizing a programmable thermostat will optimize your heating and cooling systems, while insulation helps ensure consistent indoor temperatures year-round. Hot water heaters consume plenty of energy; switching to a tankless model will increase its energy efficiency by 86%. Establish a habit of unplugging electronics when not in use to conserve power consumption; energy monitors are an invaluable way to monitor real-time consumption levels.
Optimize Your Thermostat
Settling upon an energy efficient thermostat setting can help you to save energy at home while still enjoying a warm and welcoming home environment.
No matter if your thermostat is manual or one of the many new smart programmable models on the market, optimizing your heating and cooling schedule to reduce energy consumption is vital to lowering utility bills and conserving resources. Doing this will ensure your home only needs heating or cooling when necessary – which could significantly lower utility bills!
In winter months, ENERGY STAR recommends keeping your home’s temperature between 68 and 78 degrees when awake and at work or school, and using geofencing or room sensors for further optimizing smart thermostat settings to maximize energy efficiency.
Maximize the Use of Natural Light
Natural light in your home not only creates an inviting space, but it can also reduce energy use and your electricity bills. By adding skylights, large windows, and glass doors into the design of your home design you maximize natural sunlight while cutting back on artificial lighting needs.
Keep in mind that electronics continue to consume power even after they’ve been turned off, an energy waste known as vampire power. Unplugging devices when not needed and using power strips with on/off switches are effective ways of eliminating this waste and helping you conserve more energy.
Making your home energy-efficient is an excellent way to save money, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Make sure your family members are aware of these tips so they can help implement them into daily routine.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Installing energy-efficient windows and doors in your home can be an excellent way to add value while cutting energy consumption costs. Replacing old ones with more efficient options is one of the simplest and fastest ways to lower electricity usage costs.
However, before making this investment, there are a few steps you should take first. Understand your energy bill and its functions.
When selecting windows, look for those marked ENERGY STAR. Insulated ones will keep heated or cooled air inside your home where it should be, thus cutting heating/cooling costs and increasing performance. Double or triple glazed options with properly installed frames should maximize performance, while all ENERGY STAR certified products are verified by both National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Environmental Protection Agency to ensure quality and efficiency.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Energy efficiency has become an objective of modern homeowners everywhere, offering an easy way to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and support the environment.
Switching your lighting to energy efficient LED bulbs can significantly lower energy usage and bills. They require less power consumption and last longer than traditional incandescent lamps.
As part of your lighting upgrade, motion sensors and timer switches can help minimize energy waste by automatically switching off lights at set intervals. Optimize window placement to take advantage of natural lighting; add skylights if available; consider building with energy efficiency in mind as new homes offer significant savings potential; speak with your real estate agent about energy-saving opportunities in your area.
