These basic ideas on how to save energy in your house can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
Going green isn’t simply good for the environment– it can save you money too. And what better time to start some excellent practices today?
1. Reject the heat.
Break out the sweaters and cuddle into that blanket. Decreasing your thermostat a couple of degrees can translate to monetary savings. You can conserve as much as 1% for each degree you lower your thermostat for 8 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Replace that filter.
Swap out your furnace filter every three to four months (more frequently if you have a large home and/or animals) and get an annual maintenance check. Unclean heater filters restrict air flow and increase energy usage. Keeping your heater clean and effectively adjusted will save up to 5% of your heating expenses– or another $10 monthly, according to the California Energy Commission.
3. Ditch the second fridge.
It may be time to lastly eliminate that old fridge in the basement. Yes, it’s a practical location to keep cold beverages– but Energy Star research reveals that refrigerators made prior to 1993 can include $100 a year to your electrical costs. Is it worth it?
4. Lower the temp on your water heating unit.
The U.S. Department of Energy approximates a hot water heater set to 140ºF wastes from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses for storage hot water heater, and more than $400 in losses for demand-type water heating units (likewise referred to as tankless or rapid), which offer warm water as needed. Decreasing the temp to 120ºF should offer all the warm water you require while reducing your energy costs, and slowing mineral buildup and rust in your hot water heater and pipelines.
5. Insulate your water heater.
Putting an insulation blanket on your hot water heater tank, and insulating the very first 6 feet of hot and cold pipes will fume water to you much faster, says the Epa (EPA). That means you’ll lose less water waiting on the tap to warm up.
6. Try cold suds.
Using the cold water setting on your cleaning machine can reduce its energy usage by up to 90%, according to Energy Star. Highlight: It still gets your clothing clean.
7. Set up low-flow components.
Showering accounts for about 20% of family water use– or approximately 20 gallons of water per individual furnace tune up mississauga each day, the EPA reports. Setting up low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets can decrease water usage by 30% or more, according to the EPA.
8. Purchase energy-efficient appliances.
Energy Star-rated dishwashers and cleaning makers save numerous gallons of water per year, and use roughly a 3rd of the energy of less-efficient models, Energy Star reports. Together they can cut your energy bill by more than $100 each year. Ask your water utility if it offers rebates to balance out the expense of effective components and home appliances.
9. Usage Energy Star light bulbs.
Isn’t it time you saw the light? Energy Star-certified light bulbs use 70% to 90% less energy than standard bulbs, and they last 10 to 25 times longer.
10. Repair the Drip.
It might look like absolutely nothing now, but one drop of water per second in a dripping faucet can amount to 3,000 gallons in a year– enough to take more than 180 showers, according to the EPA.
