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A brand new year is here! It gives us the opportunity to start fresh and on the right foot. Have you thought about your New Year's resolution yet? How about adding saving energy and money to your list of resolutions? You would be surprised by the end of the year as to how much money you can save if you start saving now by following these ten tips.
Lights
- Switch to LED light bulbs. They could save up to 80% of your lighting costs in your home. These light bulbs use less energy and last 25 times longer than the conventional light bulbs.
- Turn the lights off. Switch off your lights every time you leave your room. In addition, open your curtains to let light in. This will also let the sunlight in to heat your room.
- Install timers and sensors. You can save money and energy by investing in motion sensors for lights in bathrooms, storerooms, garages and other spaces. Motion-controlled lights can ensure that you don’t have to waste money when someone forgets to turn off your lights.
Appliances & Other Devices
- Look for the Energy Star logo. About 13% of all energy use in your home comes from appliances. By purchasing energy efficient appliances as well as Energy Star rated ones, you invest in more dependable appliances that will last longer and use less energy.
- Use a smart strip. Electronic devices that are not plugged into smart strips, energy is being used even though the devices are not in use. By having them plugged into a smart strip, you will no longer have to worry about using energy unnecessarily.
- Unplug. If you don’t have a smart strip, you can simply unplug any electronic devices and chargers that are not in use. You will not only save energy and money, but you can also prevent electrical fires. About a fourth of all household energy use accounts from equipment that are in sleep or standby mode.
Heating
- Open the curtains and blinds. By opening your curtains and blinds during the day, you take advantage of the greenhouse effect and allow the sun to naturally heat your home. Before the day ends, close your curtains and blinds to keep the heat in longer.
- Close air vents and doors. Whether you have a guest room, storage rooms, or rooms of your kids in college, you may be wasting energy in unoccupied space. Close air vents and doors in rooms that are not oftenly in use. You can save energy by heating rooms where people are in.
- Use space heaters. If you are only heating a small area, try to use a space heater. Electric space heaters are very energy efficient due to heat not escaping through the ducts or combustion. Use space heaters in closed-off areas that you occupy for shorter periods.
- Be smart with your thermostat. Turn your thermostat down to the lowest temperature you find comfortable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 10% of your energy bill by just turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day during the winter time.
If you don’t have a smart programmable thermostat, you may be eligible for one at no cost based on your local utility. To see if you qualify, call us or request an appointment with us at 1-800-818-4298.
