Experts in the energy industry estimate that the average U.S. household spends about $2,000 a year on energy costs, and between $200 and $400 could be saved by making a few upgrades, getting regular maintenance, and changing habits. Money isn’t the only reason to save energy.
As the world moves toward sustainability, you can do your part by saving resources like coal, nuclear energy, and natural gas and lessen the effects of climate change. Save money and the planet with these top 10 ways to make your home more energy efficient.
1. Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System
Your HVAC system is the biggest energy hog at home, with 43% of your energy bill going toward heating and cooling. Newer furnaces are the most energy-efficient, but professional tune-ups and replacing filters every three months will improve the efficiency of older models. If you have pets or recently renovated a part of your home, you’ll need to change filters even more frequently.
Regular maintenance by an HVAC professional involves a thorough cleaning of all the parts you can’t reach yourself. A clean unit will allow air to move through the unit more easily. You’ll save money as well as prolong the life of your system.
2. Make Your Home Airtight
Air leaks around windows, doors, floors, walls, and fireplaces waste energy dollars. Homes get uncomfortable indoors as warm air enters in summer and cold air seeps through in winter. Turning the thermostat up or down is a natural reaction. You’ll save from 5% to 30% annually if you make your home airtight.
Arm yourself with spray foam, caulk, and weather-stripping to reduce drafts. Ensure that your ductwork is insulated and free of holes and gaps that allow air to leak out. Use heating vent tape around joints to keep hot air from escaping through them.
Adding insulation is quick and cost-effective. Keep your home more comfortable in every season by adding insulation to the attic, basement, crawlspace, and exterior walls.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Automate your heating and cooling by installing a programmable smart thermostat. Once set, it will automatically adjust the indoor temperature while you’re away or asleep to save as much as 15% on heating and cooling costs. A smart thermostat picks up on your habits and adjusts accordingly. For example, if household members are up and about by 6 a.m., the thermostat switches from a nighttime to daytime setting.
Smart thermostats come with an app that you can download on a phone or computer. If your schedule changes and you’ll be going home early, or if the weather changes drastically during the day, you can control the temperature as if you were home.
4. Switch to an Energy Efficient Water Heater
Heating water comprises about 12% of your energy bill. You can save money by installing an on-demand tankless water heater or a tank water heater that is newer and more energy efficient. Since on-demand water heaters heat water only as needed, they’re the most energy-saving choice. You can also turn down your water heater’s thermostat or reduce heat loss by wrapping electric water heaters in an insulating blanket.
5. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
As your appliances grow old and wear out, consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR products. These refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and other appliances come with a federal guarantee to use less energy than other models. They will come with a higher price tag, but you’ll recoup costs with the money you save on future energy bills.
6. Run Large Appliances at Off-Peak Hours
Some energy providers use time-of-use rates. Since appliances account for about 13% of your energy bill, it’s important to take advantage of these rates if your power company offers them. If so, shift your schedule to washing and drying clothes and dishes at off-peak times, usually evenings and weekends.
Other ways to save energy with appliances include washing clothes in cold water, air drying dishes, and hanging clothes outdoors on a clothesline. Use a microwave, pressure cooker, or air-fryer rather than the oven whenever possible. They cook quickly and use much less energy. When you do use the oven, turn it off a few minutes before the food is done. It will finish cooking on the cool-down cycle.
7. Watch Out for Power Vampires
Your home’s energy consumption includes even the smallest of electronics. They keep on running too, even after turning them off! Called phantom or vampire energy, this standby power can consume up to 75% of your household’s electronic energy usage.
The solution is to unplug devices when not in use. Power strips will make it quick and easy to unplug multiple devices at once. Other energy-saving tips for electronic devices include enabling sleep mode on monitors, lowering screen brightness, and switching to new, more energy-efficient devices.
Another trick to beat power vampires is to invest in a programmable power bar. Plug in all your devices and set it to turn off at bedtime.
8. Emphasize Natural Sun and Shade
It’s no secret that most of the wasted energy in your home comes from heating and air conditioning. Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer is recommended to lower energy costs. However, that may not always be the most comfortable. Use floor-length blackout curtains or blinds to stay a little cooler in hot weather. Conversely, open curtains and blinds to let the sun’s rays in to warm up on chilly days.
How you dress indoors can also make a difference. Wear layers in winter and add or remove them to stay comfortable. In summer, dress lightly to stay cool. It seems like a small thing, but it will keep your hands off the thermostat and put less stress on your heating and cooling system.
9. Switch Out Lightbulbs
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you will save about $75 a year if you replace five light bulbs throughout your home with the energy-saving type. Start with the lightbulbs you use most frequently and work your way around your home indoors and outdoors until you’ve replaced all your lightbulbs. The best choices are LED bulbs. They use less energy than incandescent or CFL bulbs. They’re resistant to changes in temperature and more durable, making them especially suitable for outdoor use.
10. Get an Energy Assessment
You can find out how efficient your home’s energy is with an energy audit. Some utility companies will provide this service for free. They’ll use your past energy bills, find out the average use, and determine where you’re wasting energy. The audit will include a walkthrough with equipment such as a blower door or infrared camera to discover air leaks and drafts. The infrared photos will pinpoint places where you’re losing energy. The information will help you take measures to make your home more energy efficient.
You can count on Potts Electric for the best solutions to all your electrical needs in Ellisville and the surrounding area. We are a family-owned company committed to high-quality service for any job we complete. We’ll answer your questions about how appliances will affect your electrical capacity. We conduct safety checks, install outlets and lights, inspect and replace electrical panels, install wiring, and more. Put safety first and call us for all your electrical projects.
