Going Green: 7 Energy-Saving Tricks

There are plenty of reasons to go green. Conserving energy and running an energy-efficient home can lower your monthly utility bills, saving you some green for your wallet.

Here are seven simple ways to reduce your home’s energy footprint and save some cash on your bills too.

1) Upgrading Appliances
While the upfront cost may be higher, the national standards for energy efficiency are constantly improving the environmental performance of appliances, so the next time your old refrigerator needs repairs, it might be time for an updated model. Trading in your old appliances can save energy and money on utilities and repairs. 

2) Use Cold And Hot Water Wisely
Water heating can account for around 13% of all the energy your home uses. Dial the temperature of your water heater down to its warm setting (120°F), and you’ll save on water heating costs. You can also avoid a surprise hot water scalding. You can also try washing your clothes with cold water instead of warm or hot water and save up to five times more energy—your clothes will never know the difference.

3) Smart Thermostats

When you use a programmable thermostat correctly, you can save up to $150 a year. Look for a thermostat that can automatically turn off your air conditioning when you’re not home and turn it back on just in time for you to arrive to a cool and comfortable home. Even setting your thermostat for just a few degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter will help save energy and utility costs. Also, consider smart WiFi thermostats that you can control from your smartphone wherever you are, even when you’re not home.

4) Swap Out Light Bulbs
Lighting can account for up to 10% of your total home energy cost. Swapping standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can save you up to 75% on utility bills. CFLs last longer too, saving you money on replacements and trips to the hardware store.

Also, be sure to pay attention to where you’re placing lamps, especially if you’re still using incandescent bulbs since they give off more heat than CFL bulbs. If you have lamps near your thermostat, it can wind up making your cooling system run longer than needed since the thermostat senses the heat. Keep lamps (and large electronics like TVs and computers) placed as far away as possible from your thermostat. 

5) Window Coverings
Thermal curtains or shades can help keep your home cooler in the summer and keep heat in more efficiently in the winter. On a hot and sunny day, keeping window coverings drawn will block out the heat from the sun, saving you on air conditioning costs.

6) Inspect Ductwork Annually
Avoid wasting cooling and heating energy from blocked or damaged ducts by having your ducts professionally inspected once a year to make sure air is flowing properly, and they’re adequately insulated.

7) Landscaping For Energy Savings
A beautifully landscaped property isn’t just for curb appeal. Talk with a professional landscaping company about how placing trees and shrubs strategically around your home can save you on heating and cooling costs. 

These are just several ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Check out home energy professional in your area; they can perform a thermographic inspection to detect any air leaks in your home and make recommendations to make your home even more efficient.