Saving energy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, there are many creative ways that you can save energy in your home without spending a lot of money. Here are seven of the best tips for saving energy, including the things you should focus on investing in to help reduce your energy bills.
Energy prices are rising across the world, and homeowners’ energy bills seem to keep going up and up every month. While we can’t do much about the external factors that are making energy prices increase, it is possible to make some changes within your home to save energy. Finding ways to reduce your energy consumption and improve your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just good for your bills, it’s good for the environment too.
Here are seven ways you can save energy and cut your bills.
1. Have Your Heating And Air System Inspected
One of the best ways to save energy in your home is to have your heating and air system inspected regularly. An air and heating services professional can check for any leaks or drafts and make sure that your system is running efficiently. This simple step can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills over time. Most people just need minor repairs, but if your system is old, you might find overall cost saving benefits if you invest in a newer, more energy efficient system.
2. Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
This is another great way to save energy and money. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, and can be set to only come in if the temperature reaches a certain threshold. Many can even be controlled remotely. This means that you don’t have to waste energy heating or cooling your home when no one is there or when the temperature hasn’t reached the level that requires heating or cooling in the first place. You can also set it to a lower temperature at night or when you’re away on vacation, which will save you even more money.
3. Switch Off Unused Electrical Items
We all have those electrical items that we leave plugged in but never use. They might be phone chargers, laptops, lamps, or even just the TV. While they might not seem like they’re using much energy, if you add up all of the devices that are left plugged in but not being used, it can really start to add up. So save energy (and money) by unplugging these devices when you’re not using them.
If you have appliances that you only use occasionally, like a pressure washer or leaf blower, it’s best to just plug them in when you need them and then unplug them again when you’re done. That way, they’re not using any energy when you’re not using them.
4. Buy Appliances With Good Energy Efficiency Ratings
When it’s time to replace an old appliance, make sure to do your research and buy one that has a good energy efficiency rating. This will help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.
It’s not just big appliances like fridges and washing machines that have energy efficiency ratings. Many small appliances like toasters and kettles also have them. Kettles in particular use more energy that you might imagine. So, next time you’re out shopping for a new appliance, make sure to check the energy efficiency rating and choose the most energy-efficient option.
You can also look for appliances that have special features that save energy, like quick wash cycles or eco modes. While these appliances might cost a little bit more upfront, they’ll save you money in the long run by using less energy.
5. Insulate Your Home
One of the best ways to save energy in your home is to make sure it’s well insulated. This will help to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. It’s a good idea to have your home professionally inspected for insulation, as they will be able to tell you what kind of insulation you need and where you need it.
You can also save energy by sealing any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. This will help to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. You can buy special sealant or caulk from your local hardware store, or you can use weather-stripping to seal any gaps.
6. Take Showers
Showers use less water than baths, so they’re a more efficient way to stay clean. If you have a shower with a low-flow showerhead, you’ll use even less water. Low-flow showerheads are designed to use less water while still providing good coverage.
You can also save water (and energy) by showering less often. If you don’t need to shower every day, try cutting back to every other day or even just a few times a week. This will help you save water and energy, and it can also be good for your skin.
Of course, if you have young children, they might need to take a bath more often. But you can still save water by bathing them together or using a bathtub insert that uses less water.
7. Fill Up The Dishwasher
One of the biggest wastes of water is running the dishwasher when it’s not full. If you only have a few dishes, it’s better to wash them by hand. But if you have a lot of dishes, make sure to fill up the dishwasher before running it. Research has shown that washing lots of dishes is actually more energy efficient in the dishwasher versus by hand.