Home Energy Efficiency

There are many different ways to reduce your home energy bills, including home improvement changes and behavioral changes. Energy efficiency is crucial, not just to save on your monthly energy bill, but to protect the environment as well and increase your property value. Here are some of the best tips around to lower your energy costs!

1. Cold Water Wash

Something as simple as washing your clothes in cold water can save you anywhere from $60 - $100 per year! It takes energy to heat up water, so removing this from your laundry washing practice can have immediate savings. Also, washing your clothes in cold water will help to extend their lifetime and will prevent things like shrinkage from happening. And if you go the extra mile and air dry your clothes, you will save even more from cutting your dryer use!

2. Air Conditioner Maintenance

As we near the end of spring we are reminded that the warm summer months are around the corner, which means the time to use our air conditioners is quickly approaching. Now is the best time to service your air conditioning unit. Your air conditioners evaporator coil should be cleaned annually, and the air filters should be checked and cleaned regularly to make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible. The harder your air conditioner has to work, the more you have to run it, which results in more spending on cooling costs.

3. Lighting

Replacing your traditional light bulbs with halogen or energy efficient bulbs is one of the smartest moves you can make. Not only do they use less energy than a traditional light bulb, they last longer as well. The slightly higher purchase cost is totally worth it in the long run. And to decrease your costs and improve the life of your bulbs even more, simply turn off your lights when you don’t need them. One of the biggest mistakes home owners, and business owners, make is leaving lights on when they don’t need to be.

4. Programmable Thermostat

It makes absolutely no sense to heat or cool your home when no one is there. Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to set your system to your schedule, so you don’t have to worry about turning it on or off every time you leave or return. This alone will save you up to 10% on your cooling and heating costs

5. Weatherizing

Air leaks in your home or business are one of the most known causes of home energy deficiency, the most common leak points being your windows and doors. To prevent leaks you should check for any cracks or openings alone the door or window frame and have them sealed. Even the tiniest of openings in your frames is the same as having a 3 inch hole in your wall, which in turn will force your heating and cooling system to work more, which naturally will make you spend more.

6. Energy Star

When buying new appliances for your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage etc. look for the energy star label when purchasing. Items with this label can help to save you an additional 30% on energy costs. Just make sure when your appliances are not in use that they are shut off or unplugged.

Take the necessary step to make your home or business energy efficient today! With the benefits of cheaper energy bills, increased property value, environmental protection, and increase in quality of life, it is an easy decision to make the switch now. And if you need any help with making your home energy efficient, you know who to call!