I bet you spend a lot on your energy bill. In today’s tech-dependent world, everybody does. I did too. And it shouldn’t surprise you that energy costs money. But, just because it does, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend a large portion of your monthly earnings on it. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to save money and the environment, by lowering your household’s energy consumption.
1. The thermostat
This device was created to help you control the temperature in your home. With it, you can make your home warmer during the winter and colder during the summer. Most importantly, a programmable thermostat can help you save a lot of energy when you’re not at home, which, in turn, will help you save a lot of money.
2. Ceiling fans
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners who have ceiling fans in their homes to set them to spin counter-clockwise during summer, so that the hot air is lifted up to the ceiling and away from the living spaces. The setting should be reversed during winter, so that the hot air is blown down.
3. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs use two-thirds less energy than standard light bulbs, according to General Electric. And they can last a lot longer, even ten times longer. But no matter what types of bulbs you use, remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
4. Make sure you conserve water
By installing low-flow fixtures for your shower, faucets and toilets, you can reduce your household’s water consumption and save money. Not to mention that you’ll help conserve this valuable resource. And it probably goes without saying that you have to also act responsible. When you wash your teeth, don’t leave the water running. And fix all dripping faucets.
5. Install Energy Star appliances
When shopping for new appliances, look for those with the Energy Star label. They are great energy savers. Learn more about Energy Star here.
6. Your home electronics
Everything that’s plugged in consumes at least a little amount of power, even when turned off. If you really want to save, you can unplug them when you don’t use them.
7. Insulate your house
When you insulate your home, you make sure that the warm air stays inside when it’s cold outside and vice versa. It’s a very good way to save money and take care of your home at the same time. Check your attic, fill in any holes in your walls and you’ll be just fine.
8. Don’t forget to change your filters
The filter on your furnace has to be changed at least quarterly. Sometimes even monthly, it depends on what the manufacturers recommend. If your unit is not operating at peak efficiency, it will use up more and more energy. And you will have to pay more money.
9. Trees can also help
You might be surprised but planting some trees in your backyard can help reduce energy consumption. During the summer, they provide shade so you don’t have to use your air conditioning that much. And, during the cooler months, they can provide a windbreak. Just make sure that you plant them in the right place, like near your driveway, to shade hard surfaces, which tend to heat up during the summer.
10. Don’t forget to close the door
This last timp is simple, but just as important as the rest. If you really want to save energy, close the doors. And not just the door to your home, but also the door to your refrigerator, and the curtains that cover your windows.
Final word
It doesn’t take much to save energy. Everyone can and should do it. And, if you do, you definitely won’t regret it. You will help both the environment and your finances.
