You may be surprised at how many cheap and easy ways there are to make your home more energy efficient. With the tips in this article you can learn how to be as cost-effective as possible, all while bringing green energy into your life.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. Solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and can save you a great deal on wiring and electricity expenses. Not only does this save energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
Cover your windows when you are away from home. This will help save energy. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. South facing windows will receive the most sun, and therefore heat. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
If you use a dishwasher to clean your dishes, do not run it until it is completely full. A half load uses the exact same amount of water and energy as a full one. Try using the energy-saving air-drying setting on your dishwasher.
Always be consistent in maintaining your fridge. Since the refrigerator is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy, it is important to keep it in top-working order. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. Check frequently to ensure that the door seals tightly.
You can save on your energy bill by dressing warmly. Sweaters of varying thickness can offer more warmth, from two to four degrees depending on its weight. It is unnecessary to dress scantily at home, so pick up a sweater and save some money!
Think of using a laptop computer instead of a desktop model to save on your electricity usage. By doing this you could be saving around 75% off your electric bill, especially if you constantly use the Internet or type up papers. Laptops are also portable which makes them much more functional and handy in times of need.
Don’t set your thermostat to over 68 degrees if you can help it. If you are feeling cold, add a layer of clothing instead of reaching for the thermostat. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
If you’re one of a lot of people who want to have a greener life and you desire to save our planet’s energy, there’s lots of things that you can do. You do not have to spend money to help, but you can clean your furnace filters once each month and set your heat to 60 degrees if you are not home. Reduce your water heater to 120 degrees, this can save you a lot of money. Every small change helps!
In order to keep up with energy efficiency goals, compare all your energy bills to previous year to see how much progress you are making. Just thinking more about your energy usage will help you to change habits that lead you to over-use energy. For example, making a decision to reduce electricity usage will help you develop a habit to turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
Switching out your boiler for a newer, more efficient model can be a great way to save energy. A lot of the older boilers weren’t made to conserve energy, yet newer ones were made to keep this in mind. Newer models have multiple benefits; not only can they lower your energy bills, but they often create a lower amount of carbon dioxide, which can will be lot better for your family’s health.
Percent Less Energy
Replace old appliances with those labeled Energy Star. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. The rating promises refrigerators and freezers will use 20 percent less energy, 40 percent less for dishwashers and 50 percent less energy for washing machines.
Your electric company can be a great resource for taking a look at how you can make your house energy-efficient. Some of the websites of these companies contain tools to show you the amount of energy you use. They may also provide you with advice on how to cut your energy costs and electricity usage. Check out the appliances and light bulbs that they recommend, as well as special programs to help you purchase them.
Everything you’ve read here is easy to get started with, so make sure you take the initiative and put them to use. Taking the time to green your energy will give you peace of mind, so make the changes today to enjoy the rewards, tomorrow!
