Energy Saving Tips

Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

Energy Savings, Green Home, Lower Energy Bill

Roughly 43% of the average utility bill goes to heating or cooling your living space.  Here are some energy saving tips – simple steps you can take to reduce your heating costs and do your part to help our planet!

  • Watch your thermostat - Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer will save you money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  If you cool your house in the summer, setting the temperature to a chilly 68 degrees is not necessary.  Air conditioning systems often remove moisture from the air, meaning that you can achieve a comfortable temperature in the upper 70s.
  • Keep windows closed when heating or cooling your home.
  • Expose your heating/cooling elements –  Make sure that drapes, curtains, and carpets are not covering your heating and cooling elements.  If possible, move furniture away from heating and cooling elements as well.  Air will flow more freely and the temperature of your home will stabilize more quickly.
  • In the cooling season, close the shades on your south facing windows during the day –  These get the most sunlight and will help to prevent your home from becoming a greenhouse!
  • In the heating season, keep the shades on your south facing windows up during the day –  That same greenhouse effect that you want to avoid in the summer is a great free heating device in the winter.
  • Check windows and doors for leaky air –  Use a sealant to close any leaks around the edges of windows.  Insulate the bottoms of doors so air doesn’t come in or out of your home.
  • Unplug unused electronics, power cords, and chargers –  These devices leech power from your sockets and ratchet up your electricity bill even if they are not turned on.
  • Plug devices into power strips and turn the power strips off when not in use –  This is an easy way to prevent energy loss.
  • Air-dry your dishes instead of using the drying cycle if you use a dishwasher.

 

 

 

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