How to Save Energy at Home: 10 Ways
What person is not looking for ways to reduce energy consumption at home and lower utility bills? Reducing your household’s energy consumption (and greenhouse gas emissions) is a natural way to save money.
Energy-saving ideas can sound expensive and unrealistic. Can you use less electricity without expensive sensors or make significant compromises to your comfort? Yes, of course. Reduce your home electricity bills to benefit your wallet and the environment.
Invest in energy-efficient LED light bulbs
Replace bulbs with LEDs when you have to replace them. LED light bulbs are 25 times more energy efficient than incandescent lights and use 75% less power. If you have 30 lightbulbs at home, switching to LEDs could save $200 a year. They will also last much longer!
Unplug electronic devices before going to bed.
Make it a habit to unplug appliances you don’t use before bed. This includes lamps, laptops, and stereos. Even things that you can turn off by pressing a button consume electricity. Consider getting an intelligent plug-in strip that shuts down electronics when not in use to avoid expensive standby electricity costs.
Reduce the temperature of your hot water
Showering with cold water is not a pleasant experience. If your thermostat is set to 140oF, you could be wasting $61 in standby heat loss and face a potential safety risk–scalding. Reduce your water heater’s temperature to 120oF. This will help you save money and slow down mineral buildup in your pipes and water heater.
Water is a precious resource
Do not let the water continuously run while brushing your teeth or applying shampoo to your hair. Showers are best and long baths should be reserved for special occasions. According to research, 41% of all hot water energy goes to waste -creating an expensive, environmentally-damaging problem.
Insulate your water tanks
Uninsulated water tanks are responsible for 25-45% of energy loss when on standby. A tank blanket or jacket from the hardware store is a clever and cheap way to save energy and money. Watch this easy DIY guide on how to insulate your tank for $20.
Pre-rinse is not necessary
You can save money and time by avoiding pre-rinsing your dishes. You will still get sparkling clean dishes and save up to 6000 gallons.
Switch off the oven as soon as possible
The excess heat from the oven will finish cooking your meal if you turn it off 5-10 minutes before you are done. You can save up to $80 annually by using your oven twice daily.
Use indoor plants
What does your electricity have to do about plants? Indoor plants like aloe, golden pothos, and gerberas can release moisture into the air, trapping heat. You won’t need to use air conditioning during the hot summer days. You will also enjoy the eerie calm created by the lush greenery.
Installing windows that are energy efficient will increase their efficiency
Here are some affordable alternatives to replacing the windows.
Add an insulation layer by exterior shading, screens, shutters, and awnings.
Add panels or storm windows.
This DIY guide will show you how to weatherize your windows.
Close your blinds
Open them in the summer, and close them during winter. By using your blinds, you can save on energy bills. Closed blinds will reduce the room’s temperature by a few degrees, reducing the need for air conditioning. They let in the sunlight and warm the room during winter.
Why do you need to save energy?
You can start conserving energy in your home. This could be by selecting energy-efficient appliances or by reducing energy consumption. Let us give you some reasons to change your habits if you’re not an environmentalist. There are many benefits to energy saving.
What Are Energy-Efficient Devices?
A home equipped with ENERGY STAR-certified products will consume 35% less electricity, and you could save $250 or more on your utility bills each year. These appliances may cost a little more upfront, but they will pay for themselves within the first year in energy savings.
Energy Star Certification is simply a sign of Energy Efficiency. The price of every appliance in your home has two tags, even if they are hidden. These are the price tag for the machine itself and the cost it takes to run the appliance regularly. Energy STAR Appliances are more energy efficient and cost less to operate.
The appliances that are Energy Star certified will perform better and make your life easier. Energy STAR-certified washing machines can wash more clothing in a single load. Energy STAR dryers dry clothes faster than many standard models.
Are Energy STAR Appliances more expensive? There are. You will spend 40% more on average for an Energy STAR product, which may seem significant. This appliance will use 50% less energy from the first day, so your money will be refunded (with interest!) In the long term, you will get your money back (with interest!)
