13 Easy Ways to Save Energy (and Money!) at Home
Saving energy doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or convenience. Thanks to modern, efficient, and often budget-friendly technologies, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy a more comfortable, energy-smart home. By conserving electricity, you can lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental footprint – all without compromise. Not convinced? Try a few tips and let your energy bill do the talking…
Switch Off and Save
When they are not in use, turn off ceiling lights and lamps, and unplug devices. Use power strips for electronics, enabling you to shut off multiple devices easily and at one time, and to prevent wasted standby energy.
Light the Way with LEDs
Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs. Not only do they use up to 90% less energy and last for years rather than months, they can save you $100 or more over the course of their lifetime.
Harness Natural Sunlight
Make the most of the sun’s lighting power by opening window coverings and turning blinds to let the daylight in! The natural lighting will fill your rooms, cutting down on your lighting bills during the morning, noon, and afternoon hours.
Throw Some Shade
During warmer months, close the blinds, shades, and drapes on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home's temperature cooler and reduce the work for your AC. Open the same shades during cooler months, to let the sun warm your home.
Microwave Magic
Your microwave is good for more than reheating leftovers. You can use it for cooking instead of the stove – not only is it faster, it also requires significantly less energy. And you can cook everything from fluffy scrambled eggs to perfect baked potatoes in the microwave, at the touch of a button.
Be Efficient with Appliances
Run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full. Turn the dial on your laundry machine so it washes clothes in cold water, and air-dry whenever possible. Not only will you save electricity, but these practices will also help your clothes last longer.
Stop Energy Vampires
Idle electronics draw a small amount of electricity even when they aren’t turned on. Use smart power strips to cut "phantom energy" – this will reduce wasted energy and can save you up to $100 every year.
Fine-Tune Your TV
Turn off quick-start features, which use extra energy even when the TV is off. You can also fine-tune your settings to activate brightness sensors, and so reduce unnecessary power usage without sacrificing picture quality.
Cut Water Heater Costs
Start by lowering your water heater’s thermostat, so the water doesn’t get quite as hot. Then insulate pipes to a R-3 rating, at least 6 feet from the water heater on both hot and cold lines. And remember to use cold water for laundry, to further reduce energy expenses.
Seal the Leaks
Weatherize your home, using caulk and weather stripping to seal cracks around windows and doors – preventing the air inside your house from escaping outside. You can also insulate attic spaces and pipes for better energy efficiency.
Master Your Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 30% on heating and cooling, by allowing you to set different temperatures based on your schedule. The idea is to lower the temperature when you’re away from home or sleeping, and raise it only when you need it most.
Measure and Monitor
Whole-home energy monitors can measure how much electricity your home uses, down to the individual circuits and even single devices. This can help you spot which ones guzzle a ton of energy and uncover hidden savings opportunities.
Dress for Comfort
Wear seasonally appropriate clothing indoors – sweaters and layers in the winter, t-shirts and shorts in the summer. This will help you stay comfortable without overworking your heater or air conditioner.
