A good way to save money every month is to implement energy-saving tips at home. The following 10 tips are simple and should result in immediate, noticeable energy savings.
10 Energy-Saving Tips
- Replace traditional bulbs: Compact fluorescent lights consume far less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 10 times longer. That means they lower your lighting bills and pay for themselves with their long lifespan.
- Install a programmable thermostat: This allows you to enjoy energy savings with temperature setbacks while you’re away or sleeping without sacrificing comfort. Simply program the thermostat to resume a comfortable temperature before you’re due to wake up or return home.
- Change the filter: If you have forced-air heating and cooling, check the air filter monthly and wait no longer than three months between changes. This not only helps your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, it also promotes cleaner indoor air.
- Â Run exhaust fans only as needed: It’s important to remove pollutants from the source with exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, but turn them off when no longer needed to prevent unnecessary electricity use and avoid the loss of conditioned air to the outside.
- Save on hot water: Turn down the water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, install low-flow fixtures, and repair water leaks as soon as you find them.
- Use power strips: Plug in the electronics at your computer station and entertainment system to turn everything off with the flip of a switch. This prevents energy vampires from leaching energy from the wall, even when the devices are turned off.
- Look for the Energy Star: The next time you replace a home appliance, opt for an efficient Energy Star-qualified model.
- Seal air leaks: Apply caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep drafts at bay.
- Use appliances wisely: Only run full batches of dishes and laundry. Turn off the dishwasher’s drying setting and hang dry clothes when possible.
- Run the ceiling fan: In the summer, use the breeze to feel up to four degrees cooler. In the winter, run the fan on reverse to draw trapped air down from the ceiling.
For more energy-saving tips, please contact us at Ross & Witmer today. We proudly serve Charlotte area homeowners.