Are you trying to reduce energy consumption to save money and help the environment? Small changes around your home can make a big difference in both areas – but where do you start? Don’t worry. We’ve got some easy, practical tips on how to save energy at home.
1. Keep the Temperature Low to Save Energy at Home
The easiest way to save energy is to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature in the winter and higher in the summer. A couple of degrees can significantly affect your yearly energy costs. Use space heaters to warm individual rooms as needed without adjusting the temperature for the entire home.
2. Close the Curtains
Closing curtains and blinds on sunny days can help keep your home cooler in the summer, reducing the need to use air conditioning. In the winter, you can open them during the day to get some natural heat from the sun.
3. Change Your Light Bulbs to Save Energy at Home
Switching to LED bulbs is an easy way to reduce your energy consumption. They use up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money on electricity bills and replace them much less often.
4. Unplug Appliances
Did you know that even when appliances are turned off, they still use energy? To save energy, unplug them or use surge protectors to cut power when not in use. This is especially important for items like TVs and gaming consoles which are often left on standby.
5. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can help you save energy and money by automatically adjusting the temperature to reflect your needs. You can set it to keep the house cooler when no one is home, for example, or warmer in the evening before you arrive.
6. Take Shorter Showers
Showering is one of the primary sources of energy consumption. Reducing the length of showers can help you save a lot on your water bill and reduce your energy usage. Invest in a low-flow showerhead to use even less hot water.
7. Save Energy at Home by Using Cold Water for Laundry
Using cold water instead of hot can reduce the energy consumption of your washing machine by up to 90%. Most of the energy used for a washing machine comes from heating the water.
8. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce energy consumption. Not only will they generate power for your home, but you’ll also be eligible for incentives and tax credits which can help to offset the initial costs.
You can significantly impact your energy consumption and your wallet by making a few small changes in your home. Try out these tips today to start saving energy and money right away.
Checkpoint Home Inspections provides inspections to customers around the North Coast of Oregon. Contact us to request our services.