How to Save Energy at Home
December 08, 2017If you groan every month when the power bill arrives in the mail, consider making changes that can save energy at home.
Even small changes such as adjusting a thermostat by a few degrees or unplugging appliances and electronics when you’re not using them can mean big savings over time.
Many energy saving strategies don’t have to cost a lot of money. But even the more expensive projects can pay for themselves over time, making them worthwhile investments in your home.
Plus, if you decide to sell your home one day, you can show off the low power bill from all the energy saving changes you made. Compare that with the $2,100 average annual household spending on energy.
If you’re looking for ideas about how to save energy at home, Empowered Global can help you with some energy tips. We’ll advise you on steps you can take to lower your monthly power bill and help turn your house into a “green” environmentally friendly home.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy offer tips and resources you can use to make your home more energy efficient. Consider:
- A programmable thermostat can save up to $150 a year on energy costs when used properly. For example, you can program your air conditioning to turn off when you’re not home and automatically turn on before you return. Some thermostats can even be controlled remotely with your mobile phone or computer.
- Heating water can account for as much as a quarter of the energy you use in your home. Consider lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees to save energy. Washing your clothes in cold water can save you as much as $63 a year.
- A ceiling fan can let you raise the air-conditioning thermostat by four degrees without a noticeable difference in comfort. Don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room.
- Use energy efficient lightbulbs. Manufacturers today make a wide variety of bulbs that will save you power and last longer.
- Running the air conditioning at 78 degrees rather than 72 degrees can save as much as 18% on your cooling bill. Have the air-conditioning ducts inspected to make sure they’re sealed and insulated because homes lose an average of 20% of their heated or cooled air to the outside through the duct system.
- Unplug your electronics when not in use. A computer that’s on all day costs 21 cents in energy, but that adds up to $75 a year.
- Look for the Energy Star label. That’s the government’s symbol of energy efficiency you’ll find on a wide variety of appliances.
- Use your window shades. It’s a simple idea, but close them in the summer when it’s hot outside and open them in the winter to let the sun shine in.
To schedule an appointment with Empowered Global to find ways to save energy at home, call (239) 970-8267 or contact us today.
