Making your home as energy efficient as possible is not only good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet. If you are looking for easy, doable ways to achieve energy efficiency at home, we have rounded up 20 tips for you!
1. Upgrade your lights to LEDs. This can cost you more in the beginning but will save you a lot of money in the long run. They also last 15 to 25 times longer!
2. Be sure to seal your home. Fix gaps and leaks immediately and add insulation as necessary.
3. Never forget to replace your HVAC filters. A dirty filter will cause your system to work harder, increasing your energy bills and reducing the efficiency of your unit.
4. Use window blinds, shades, and drapes wisely. During the spring and summer, close them on the sunny side of your home to keep your interior cooler and to reduce the work of your air conditioner. In the cooler months, leave them open to let the sun’s warmth increase the temperature inside of your home.
5. Upgrade your thermostat to a programmable model. This will automatically adjust the temperature for you according to your schedule.
6. Consider installing a ceiling fan. While many would think that ceiling fans are outdated, they’re actually a great addition to any modern home. In the summer, ceiling fans create a cool breeze in your home, and in the winter, they can circulate hot air to keep your rooms comfortable. They are affordable and easy to install but can greatly reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
7. Keep your refrigerators and freezers full, but do not overfill them. These appliances work efficiently if they are full. However, overfilling can also cause a reduction in the airflow and will make the unit work harder.
8. Use natural light as much as possible.
9. Do not leave your appliances and electronics plugged in the whole time. They still consume electricity when on standby mode. It’s the same with cell phone chargers that are left plugged, even when the phone battery is full.
10. Be wary of where you place your appliances. Do not place any appliance that gives off heat like lamps or TV sets near a thermostat. Additionally, do not place cooling devices (such as a refrigerator) near heating devices (such as a stove) or in direct sunlight.
11. Even when you’re staying indoors, dress for the weather. For example, wear warm clothing in the winter and loose, cooler clothing in the summer. This will help you still stay comfortable without putting all the work on your HVAC system.
12. Upgrade to low-flow showerheads. Many older models use up to 5 gallons per minute, but newer showerhead models only use around 2.5 gallons per minute. Consider replacing your faucets and old toilets too.
13. Weather permitting, air-dry your clothes.
14. Lighting costs account for over 10% of an average household utility bill. Be sure to turn off the lights when they are not in use!
15. Save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or not home. In the summer, follow the same approach with your air conditioning by keeping your house warmer when nobody’s home and setting your thermostat to 78°F when you need cooling. According to Energy.gov, you can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
16. When cooking small meals, consider using smaller appliances such as toaster and microwave ovens or electric pressure cookers instead of your large stove or oven. This will help you save energy and will keep your cooling costs low in the summer because they don’t give off much heat.
17. Most of the energy used by washers goes to heating the water. Wash with cold water (or warm, not hot) to save energy. And wash only on full load as much as possible.
18. Run your dishwasher when it’s full, but not overloaded. Additionally, you don’t need to pre-wash or hand wash your plates (but do scrape the food off the plate). Energy-efficient dishwashers can thoroughly clean your plates without handwashing prior to running a cycle.
19. When choosing plants for your landscaping project, consider the amount of water they actually need. Pick plants that need less water and are native to your area.
20. Be sure to have leaky plumbing fixed immediately. A leaky faucet can lead to gallons of wasted water in a short period of time.
We have just listed 20 easy ways to make your home more energy-efficient, but really, the list is endless! You have the power to save money and control the energy usage in your own home. Your wallet and mother earth will thank you! (And the comfort of your home and your overall quality of life can also improve!)
Selling your home but don’t have the time or budget for home improvement projects? Talk to one of our expert real estate agents today about selling your home as-is, fast! Call 800-976-SOLD today!