With energy prices rising, many people are increasingly concerned about saving energy. There are a number of different ways to save money on your energy bill, but it can involve a certain amount of self-discipline.
Perhaps the easiest way to do this is to turn off energy –consuming devices in the home when not needed. This can be everything from lights to televisions to computers. It’s not a bad idea to use the weather to your advantage. If it’s nice out, you should avoid using the air-conditioner or heater. Open windows and doors to let fresh air into the house. This is not only saving you money, but may improve your health as well.
When heat is needed, glass fireplace doors will help keep heat from being lost up the chimney. It also helps to close fireplace dampers when not in use. Dress appropriately for the season, and set your thermostat to accommodate the weather without being excessive. Use fans to help circulate cool air in the summer months. This not only keeps the house cooler, it also costs less to run fans than additional AC units. Check the filters on your furnace or air conditioner monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. Dirty filters block air from moving through your heating and cooling systems, making them less effective and less efficient. If there are rooms that you don’t use often or that don’t need to be heated and cooled, such as spare bedrooms or guest bathrooms, you should close the doors and vents to these rooms.
Switching to cold water laundering can also save energy -- even in older, less efficient appliances. You can save more than $60 a year by doing this, and many experts agree that detergents formulated for cold water washing gets clothes just as clean. You can also lower the temperature of your water heater. It should be set at “warm.” To measure this, keep in mind that a thermometer held under running warm water should read no more than 120 degrees. Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water usage. You can also wrap your hot water tank with specially-constructed materials to help insulate both the tank and exposed pipes. This is inexpensive enough that you can expect to save enough money to pay for the materials in just a few months.
Seal windows and doorways, replace worn or damaged weather stripping, and use silicone caulk in cracks and crevices to prevent hot or cold air from leaving and entering the house. Storm windows can also reduce heat loss. If you will plan on buying new window and doors, be aware of their energy rating, which indicates how well the products will insulate your home.
For electronics and other appliances, you should turn them off during long periods of non-use. Utilize the sleep feature on computers and televisions. This will also ensure the longevity of your equipment. When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star label on items such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners and more. This -- like the energy rating on doors and windows -- indicates how efficient a product is when in constant use. Anything with an Energy Star tag is a strong energy-efficient product. Appliances that are not Energy Star-rated will have an energy rating, which will also show its expected usage.
The main thing to keep in mind is that saving power and reducing your energy bill is relatively easy, but it does demand a bit of work on your part. The most important aspect of all of this is being aware of your energy usage.