Every homeowner loves the thought of saving money. And when you can save money and be more environmentally conscious, everyone wins. Below are some simple ideas and concepts that will help you save some green for your wallet and planet.
- Increase your refrigerator and freezer’s energy efficiency by cleaning the rear coils regularly and keeping the interior space full. Better airflow to the coils will keep the unit cooling more efficiently. A full freezer and fridge make it easier to maintain a constant temperature.
- Increase your water heater’s energy efficiency by flushing out the sediment annually and using an insulating blanket. As sediment builds up in your water heater’s holding tank, it functions like insulation around the heating element. That means the unit is using more energy to heat your water. Removing the sediment will eliminate that added workload and prolong the life of your water heater. Adding a manufacturer-approved insulating blanket will help maintain the water temperature in colder months are reduce the energy used to keep your water hot.
- Turn off the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher. If you are washing the dishes in hot water, the heated dry is just a waste of energy. Open the dishwasher after it runs and let the dishes air dry.
- Take advantage of free solar heating in the winter by opening your drapes, curtains, or blinds to allow the sun to warm your home for free.
- In the summer months, keep curtains, blinds, and shades closed to limit the sunlight that will heat up your home and increase your air conditioner’s workload.
- Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. These fans only recirculate the air to make you more comfortable. They are not cooling the temperature of the room.
- Use a timer with a light sensor to turn your landscape and outdoor lighting off and on.
- Install a programmable thermostat to save energy when you are not at home. A few degree fluctuation when you are gone will show an excellent return on your heating and cooling bill.
- Check your HVAC filter each month and replace it when it becomes covered in dust and dirt. This will increase the airflow to your furnace and air conditioner, allowing them to operate more energy-efficiently. It will also increase their lifespan.
- Check for air leaks around doors and windows. Stopping these air leaks with weather stripping or caulk will decrease your heating and cooling bills.
- Make sure that sunlight is not hitting your thermostat. This can create an artificially hot temperature reading and result in your air conditioner being overworked.
- Check your utility provider’s website to see if they offer a time of use plan. This can save you a nice amount on your bill and balance the power grid load.
- Cook large meals in your full-sized oven in the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Use a toaster oven or microwave to heat food at mealtime. This will reduce the heat in your home and cut down on the workload of your air conditioner.
- When possible, use a microwave or toaster oven instead of your full-sized oven. This can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 70%.
- Remove clothes immediately from the washer and dry on low heat. This reduces wrinkling and wear on fabrics while using less energy. Also, never over-dry clothing. Hanging when just slightly damp will add years of life to the material and reduce your energy consumption.
Reducing the energy that your home consumes is a great way to reduce your utility bills. And by using less energy, you are also helping the environment. Most of the United States’ energy is generated in power plants that burn coal, natural gas, biofuel, or nuclear fuel to heat water and produce steam. But all of these processes also produce greenhouse gas emissions as a byproduct of energy production. So when you reduce your home’s energy consumption, you are also reducing the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
To learn more about reducing your home’s energy usage, call (703) 463-9866 to speak to an Circuit Doctor professional about an electrical audit and inspection for your home.
