Here are 9 quick and easy tips to make your home more energy efficient.
In this article, we’ve compiled nine easy ways that you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Ways to Lower Energy Consumption
Keep reading to learn about nine super simple ways to get energy efficient this fall:
1. Update your thermostat.
Programmable/smart thermostats can be set to automatically switch off to reduce heating/cooling whenever you’re asleep or out of the house to save energy. On average, this can save you about $180 per year!
2. Seal your windows.
Add weatherstripping around drafty windows, put a bead of silicone caulk over cracks in your drywall, or apply a sheet of shrink film to your windows to keep that cold air out and the warm air in.
3. Don’t overuse your space heater.
Space heaters use a lot of energy, and they can also be a big drain on your utility bill. If you’re going to use a space heater, make sure you’ve got an efficient model. But as an alternative, layer up and use thick blankets whenever you can.
4. Unplug chargers.
You might think that leaving your charger plugged in while you’re not using it is no big deal, but if you have a couple for each member of your family, they can make up a good chunk of your energy bill! If you’re not using your chargers, unplug them and save energy.
5. Wash clothes in cold water.
Much of the energy of the clothes-washing process goes towards heating the water, and you can save up to fifty dollars per year by lowering the temperature at which you wash by just fifteen degrees.
6. Replace air filters.
If you change your air filters regularly, you could cut down on energy consumption by up to 15 percent! Clean air filters let you and your family breathe cleaner air, and they also put less strain on your system.
7. Wrap up the water heater.
If you have an electric water tank, consider wrapping it in an insulating blanket—that way, you can prevent heat loss.
8. Use a clothesline.
You can’t exactly dry your clothes outdoors during the winter, but it’s quite refreshing to do so in the summer. When it’s cold outside, letting your clothes air-dry inside is an option too. Since dryers account for about 6 percent of a home’s energy usage, this can be helpful.
9. Update your lights.
Energy-efficient light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and last twenty-five times longer! They might be a bit more expensive, but the price will even out because of how long they last and how significantly they lower your electricity bill.
Staying Energy Smart
At One Man & A Toolbox, we care about the environment and your wallet. That’s why we’re big proponents of shifting into an energy-efficient lifestyle and teaching others to do the same. If you need help converting your home into a more efficient place to live, get in touch with us today.