How much energy their home is using is a concern for many people these days. The amount of energy you’re using directly impacts your bills each month; so, taking steps to reduce the amount of energy is often good for the environment. However, when it comes to saving energy, a lot of people don’t know where to begin. Here are just a few ways that you can go about saving energy at home, and hopefully cut back on some of your expenses.
Make Sure It Is Sealed and Insulated
One reason for high energy costs is that your home is leaking out heat or air conditioning. With the air escaping, your home needs to do more in order to keep it at the temperature you want. For instance, cool air can leak out through windows and doors during the Summer – even if they aren’t left open – and heat can escape through the walls if they are not insulated properly. If you want your home to be energy efficient, the first thing to do is ensure the energy being used stays in your home, and doesn’t leak outside.
AC and Furnace Checkups
Your furnace and your air conditioning units are two of the biggest consumers of energy. It’s a good idea to give these pieces of equipment tune-ups every once in a while, to ensure they are running at their maximum efficiency. If you’re about to install a new system, it’s important that you get one that is right for your home. Check what air conditioning tonnage you need for your space, and what type of furnace is right for your home style. Getting the wrong type could mean using more energy than needed.
Install Solar Panels
One popular option these days to cut back on costs is to install solar panels. These devices will help to power your home from the sun, allowing you to save on gas and oil. You’ll need to spend money upfront, but over time they may pay for themselves, and could even improve the value of your home. If your home gets a large amount of sunshine each day, consider installing some solar panels to take advantage.
Install Energy Efficient Appliances
The next thing to consider is installing some new energy efficient appliances. For instance, if you have an old refrigerator or washing machine, it is probably not operating at full efficiency. By getting a newer model – and one that focuses on saving energy – you can cut back on the amount of energy needed to run these appliances. While you’ll have to spend money upfront, you may be able to save it back on your bills over time.
Adjust Temperatures When You’re Away From Home
If you’re not going to be in your home for a while, it’s a good idea to drop the temperature down in the winter, or to let it rise in the summer. By changing the temperature settings, you can make sure your AC and furnace don’t turn on as often while you’re not at home. If you want, you can install a thermostat that comes with a timer, allowing it to adjust the temperature right before you get home.
Turn Off Your Appliances When You’re Done
Lastly, when it comes to conserving energy, every little bit matter. That’s why it is a good idea to turn off any appliances when you are no longer using them. Sometimes we forget we have things plugged in, and they run all day while we are away at work. Things like coffee makers, toasters, electric heaters, and window AC units can draw electricity, and if you’re not going to be using them, are better left unplugged.
Help Your Wallet And Your Budget
Conserving energy at home is good for both your wallet and the world around you. You don’t have to go to drastic measures to see an impact in your bill each month – sometimes doing a couple of little things will add up. By using the suggestions on this page, you can hopefully save yourself at least a few dollars each month, and feel a little better about helping to improve the planet we live on.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
