People are becoming more and more conscious of the impact they are having on this world. No one wants to be a big contributor to global warming issues. But besides having a positive impact on our world, being more energy-efficient also has the potential to have a positive impact on your wallet. Here are 7 ways to make your home more energy-efficient that will save you some money.
1) Change the Temperature on Your Thermostat
In the cold winter months, we tend to jack the heat up. In the hot summer months, we tend to blast the air conditioning. Changing the temperature on your thermostat by just 1 degree can save you anywhere from 1-3% on your energy bill If you drop the temperature by 5-10 degrees at night or while you’re working, you can save up to 10-15% off your energy bill (Lifehacker.com).
2) Buy a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust the temperature in your home according to your preferences. We recently got the Nest Thermostat E. It helps us save money on our heating bill because it goes into “Eco Mode” when no one is home. Eco Mode automatically sets the temperature to 62 degrees and leaves it at that when nobody is home. In order to avoid walking into a freezing cold house, I adjust the temperature before I leave work, so it is back to 68 degrees (our normal temperature) by the time I get home.
3) Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LED Bulbs
According to a report by the Consumer Federation of America, switching to LED light bulbs can save the average home about a $1,000 over a 10-year period, or approximately $8.33 a month. In addition to savings on energy-efficiency, LED light bulbs almost last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs; therefore, you won’t have to worry about replacing them as frequently which saves you even more money.
4) Stop Wasting Water
Running unnecessary water can cost you money. A few ways people typically waste water: running the water while they brush their teeth, doing small loads of laundry rather than waiting for a full load, taking longer than necessary showers, running a dishwasher that isn’t full, overwatering plants or the lawn and taking a bath instead of a shower. Changing even some of these habits can have a huge impact on your water bill.
5) Install Solar Panels
Solar power can reduced energy bills significantly. Additionally, you get a tax break for installing solar panels on your house! Unfortunately, not everyone’s home qualifies for solar panels as they may not be able to generate enough energy depending on your home’s location. Many companies, however, will do a free consultation with you to help you determine if your house is a match for solar panels.
6) Buy Energy Star Products
Energy Star appliances meet energy-efficient specifications set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard appliances, which can lead to savings on your bills. Some examples of Energy Star products are such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners and stoves.
7) Insulate Doors and Windows
If your doors or windows aren’t insulated well you may notice a draft coming through around these areas. The colder air sneaking into your home means your heat will have work harder to warm up the house. Making sure doors and windows are properly insulated helps your heat work more efficiently, saving you money in the long-run.
