Whether your goal is to live more sustainably or to simply lower your monthly electrical bills, energy-saving home improvements can greatly benefit your home and improve your comfort.
7 Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home
Using less energy at home may seem overwhelming and expensive. But in reality, there are tons of simple ways to cut back on energy without sacrificing comfort or replacing all your appliances!
Lower Your Thermostat
An easy solution to using less energy is to turn your home’s temperature down a few notches when you’re out of the house. To save the most money and energy possible, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat set within 8-10 degrees of the outside temperature. Following this advice could save you hundreds each year!
Start a Compost Pile
Composting isn’t for everyone, but if you have a garden (or plan to start one), it’s the best way to fertilize your plants and reduce waste naturally. Rather than chucking every leftover into the garbage disposal, dispose of your organic waste into a homemade bin.
To start your own compost pile, choose a small outdoor space to begin disposing of your waste. If you live in an apartment, composting can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Apartment composting can be done using specially designed, odor-free indoor compost bins.
Seal Leaky Ductwork
If you’ve ever been yelled at to close your window or doors because “I’m not paying to heat the outside!” you’re familiar with the harm that leaking ductwork can pose. Leaking ductwork can reduce your home’s efficiency and cost you money out-of-pocket on heating and cooling expenses.
Ditch the Dryer
If the weather is nice, or if you want to increase your home’s humidity level, hang your laundry up to dry. This will save energy and will increase the lifespan of your clothing since high heat typically associated with electric dryers can wear your fabrics out over time. If you have allergies, avoid hanging clothing outdoors, where they’ll pick up loose pollen and other allergens in the air.
Unplug Your Chargers
Many people mistakenly assume that if they don’t have a charge connected to an electronic device, it isn’t using any power. This isn’t the case. If you leave your smartphone or laptop charger plugged into an outlet, it still draws energy from the circuit even if you aren’t using it.
Make sure you charge your devices fully and let them drain before plugging them in again. Overcharging your phone and computer can also cause the battery to wear out faster, so it’s a good idea to begin practicing good charging habits now.
Use Your Dishwasher
You may think you’re saving money by washing dishes by hand, but dishwashers are actually the more energy-efficient method. Handwashing a full load of dishes can use up to a couple of liters of water, while an Energy Star dishwasher uses less than a few liters, at most.
Turn the Faucet Off More Often
Whether you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, turn off the water while you work and only use it to rinse. Many people leave their faucets running while they wash their face, brush their teeth and clean up after meals, but this is a senseless waste of water that only costs you more money.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Installing a new thermostat and HVAC unit are definitely one of the best things you can do for energy efficiency, but they aren’t your only options! There are many easy home improvements you can make to become more energy-efficient. Some gadgets you could consider installing include:
- Smart windows
- LED lighting
- Energy management systems
- Smart power strips
- Smart home devices
- Solar panels
- ENERGY STAR appliances
These improvements are affordable and easy to install whether you’re a DIY pro or prefer to hire professionals.
LED Bulbs
LED lights are quickly becoming the norm in new constructions thanks to their durability and energy efficiency. Traditional bulbs consume 25 percent more energy and cost 20 percent more than LED bulbs to run.
Incandescent bulbs were all but banned in 2014, and now they’re being phased out of stores and construction entirely. LED lighting is inexpensive and easy to install, so if you want a quick and simple way to cut back on your electric bill, this is it.
Energy Star Home Appliances
Energy Star appliances can help people save $100 or more every year, and they don’t cost any more than their non-certified counterparts. In the past, Energy Star appliances were more expensive, so people were less inclined to buy them. Now, things have changed, and you can upgrade your appliances without breaking the bank.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows prevent heat loss, saving you money on your heating and cooling. Windows with the Energy Star label are the best to consider when you’re making a replacement, but adding some air seals and window insulation can also cut back on costs for a lot less.
Smart Thermostats
Instead of adjusting your temperature manually throughout the day, let a smart thermostat take over. Smart thermostats are intuitive devices that connect to your HVAC system and are programmable via WiFi.
Many smart thermostats are “learning” devices that adapt to your preferences and patterns. With room sensors, you can heat and cool specific parts of your home in order to cut back on consumption and save money without sacrificing your comfort.
Low-flow Showerheads
When it comes to fixtures in your bathroom, showerheads typically use much more water than what is needed. If you’re trying to cut back on your carbon footprint and save some money here and there, then it’s best to look into a low-flow showerhead. This particular model will use less water while giving you the power of a standard attachment. Approximately within a month, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your water bill — which is a win for the environment and your wallet.
Pro Energy Solutions can help you save energy at home! Whether you want to replace your HVAC system with a more efficient unit or invest in thermal imaging to find leaks in your home, our team has the experience you need to get the job done and conserve energy. Contact us online or by phone at (800) 704-7340!
