Ways to Save Energy

Did you know that the U.S. uses the most energy in the world? Whether you’re looking to save money or the environment or both, saving energy can easily start in your business or home.

Simple tips and updates from changing your light bulbs and air filters to insulating your home can help your home become more energy efficient and lower your utility bill.

1. Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by replacing your light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. These bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last longer 10 times longer than traditional designs.

Energy-efficient light bulbs use fluorescent lighting rather than incandescent. They can save you up to $30 per bulb. If you have a lot of lighting, that’s a lot of savings.

Another tip is to always turn lights off when you’re not using them and try to use natural lighting during the day.

For areas that you do not use often, such as garages, laundry rooms, or exterior areas, installing a light sensor may be a good idea. This will make sure the lights turn off when the areas are not being used.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Your appliances can suck up energy and costs, especially if they are old. One of the best ways to save energy is to update your appliances with Energy Star approved appliances.

The most energy-utilizing appliances include washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and even computers. They not only use the most energy, but we use these appliances most often.

You can save hundreds of dollars each year with each new energy-efficient appliance. Plus, you will qualify for tax credits which include as much as 10% back on the original costs and a $500 benefit.

3. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors

If you don’t have them already, you should install Energy Star qualified windows and doors in your home.

Windows account for up to 30% of energy use. You can save up to $500 a year by replacing your single-pane windows and more than $100 by replacing clear double-pane windows. Be sure to choose windows with Energy Star and NFRC labels.

If your windows are newer or you can’t afford to replace them, there are steps you can take to improve their efficiency.

First, find any air leaks and close them. Secondly, caulk and weatherstrip around all windows and doors. You should do this every year before summer and re-check before winter hits. Lastly, keep windows covered as much as possible.

Using storm windows during harsh weather seasons or all year round can also save energy and costs. Storm windows protect against air loss and are more durable than traditional window types.

4. Update and Set Your Thermostat

If you have an old thermostat (10+ years), it’s likely time for a new one. Newer thermostats are designed to be much more energy efficient. Plus, the older your HVAC system, the less efficient it will run.

Newer thermostats are also built with sensors that can tell when you are or are not home and adjust the temperature accordingly. You can time them to cool down or warm up your home near your arrival time.

Newer thermostats also have zoning abilities that set various temperatures for each room. So, those rooms you don’t use often can stay warm while the more trafficked areas stay cool and comfortable.

If your thermostat doesn’t need an upgrade, then use its features to your advantage. The U.S. Department of Energy claims you can save 10% on your energy bill just by turning your thermostat seasonally up or down by 7 degrees.

They recommend setting your thermostat at 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer when you are home or awake. Then, program or manually set the thermostat to go up or down when you’re away or asleep.

One tip to remember is to not turn your HVAC system completely off. It will use more energy to kick back on completely.

5. Use Cold Water

Hot water uses more energy because it must be heated first with a gas or electric water heater. You can save on your energy bill and help the environment by using cold water to wash clothes, dishes, teeth, and more.

You can save a particularly large amount of energy by doing laundry with cold water. It is estimated that 90% of the energy used to wash clothes is used for heating the water.

Check your clothes labels to see what type of water they can handle. Typically, you only need to use hot water for whites and clothes that are stained or very dirty.

Try to use cold water as much as possible for all household and personal hygienic uses. Also, try to turn off the water when it is not necessary. For example, turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your face, or in between rinsing dishes.

Little steps to conserve water will not only lower your bills but also help the planet.

6. Add Insulation

A well-insulated house is an energy efficient house. There are many areas in your home where you can add insulation and save energy.

Start at the top and work your way down. Have your roof insulated if you have the means. Next, make sure your attic is fully insulated. If you can see building structures, then you should add more insulation.

Check your home for areas where air may escape to the outdoors. Add insulation to walls that may have holes or areas that are missing seals. Typical areas for insulating include around windows, chimneys, doors, and garages.

Another tip is to wrap boiler and other pipes with insulation to keep them from getting too hot or cold. This will keep the pipes and the air/water moving through them more efficient.

7. Cover your Windows

While natural light has many benefits, sunlight can wreak havoc on your home’s energy bill by adding a lot of heat. Approximately 76% of the sunlight that hits your windows enters as heat.

Avoid the extra sun furnace by keeping your windows covered. If you have shutters, close them during the day and evening. You can also purchase operable exterior window coverings designed to protect against solar heat.

Inside, keep your blinds and curtains shut to prevent light from coming in and warming up the house. Make this part of your routine before you leave the house in the morning or before bed.

Covering your windows also adds more insulation, keeping air from coming in and leaving your home. This will provide additional efficiency and energy savings.

8. Use Ceiling Fans

If your home doesn’t have ceiling fans in the rooms you use the most, you should install some. Ceiling fans are one of the ways to save energy, particularly in living areas and bedrooms of homes.

Ceiling fans help keep air circulating and moving regularly. Air movement helps your home stay cool or warm. Yes, fans can even help your heat work more efficiently.

Set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise during the summer months. This will pull warm air upward and keep the cool air down in the living space. This keeps the room and you more comfortable.

During the winter, switch the fans’ blades to move clockwise. This will prevent heat from rising to the ceiling and keep the rooms warmer.

By using ceiling fans, your HVAC system will not have to work as hard, saving energy and costs. Plus, you can find ceiling fans that are made specifically to reduce energy use and loss.

9. Change Filters Regularly

To keep your HVAC system working properly and efficiently, change your filters quarterly or monthly. Not changing your filters regularly will make it harder for the unit to work, for air to move through, and can cause expensive maintenance malfunctions.

Dirty air filters let dust and dirt into the AC, which can clog valves and cause the motor to fail. This means the unit must use more power to move the air through. It also means that dust and other contaminants get in the air we breathe and can cause allergic reactions.

The best option is to have an HVAC professional come and do a routine maintenance check and tune-up of your system.

In addition, you should change your dryer filter after every use. A small amount of lint will lower the efficiency of your appliance.

10. Rid of Unused Power

The last and one of the easiest ways to save energy is to do an energy audit of your home or office to see what is using energy unnecessarily.

Go around and look for electronics or appliances that are plugged in but are not used often. Unplug them.

Also, look for equipment that you don’t use and get rid of it. Things like old technology can be sold or recycled.