Top 10 Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

There are so many reasons these days to save energy, from environmental considerations of how our energy consumption is affecting the planet, to financial concerns as oil and gas prices, as well as other energy sources that affect the current cost of living, continue to rise. Here are some important energy tips to consider implementing in your home.

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat. This lets you heat or air condition your home on a pre-set schedule, allowing you to conserve energy when everyone is gone for the day or asleep at night. This, in combination with turning down the thermostat (even just a couple of degrees), can significantly lower your heating costs and save you energy.
2. Change your light bulbs. Replace traditional light bulbs with compact florescent lights, or CFLs, especially in often-used lights in your home. With this simple step, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy you use to light your home.
3. Turn down your water heater setting. Water heating costs account for a fair amount of home energy costs. By turning your water heater settings down to 120 F, you can curtail your energy use in this area.
4. Unplug electronic devices not in use. Just because an electronic device (such as a television, game console, stereo, computer, or kitchen appliance) is turned off, doesn’t mean it’s not still using energy. Only by unplugging the device or shutting down the power strip it’s plugged into can you stop this constant energy drain. Also, be sure to unplug any chargers for your laptop, cell phone, or other portable devices, as they continue to draw a small amount of power, even when they aren’t connected to a device in need of charging.
5. Invest in high efficiency appliances. Chances are, you’re not going to be able to just run out and buy all new appliances. But if you’re in the market for one or it’s come time to replace one that no longer works properly, look for a model that has a high-efficiency rating, as the energy savings can be substantial.
6. Seal air leaks in your home. Look for any holes, cracks, and gaps between the house and an unheated attic or basement, or the outdoors. This is a really cost-effective way to save energy in your home, While you’re at it, be sure to check that your attic is well insulated, as you may be losing heat there as well.
7. Fix drafty windows and doors. This is another easy energy saver, as caulking and weather stripping will usually do the trick. Also check to be sure that window locks are aligned properly so you’re getting an optimal seal. Of course, if it’s in your budget, investing in highly efficient, double-paned windows can really cut down on energy seepage.
8. Repair leaky faucets and install low-flow water-saving devices. A low-flow showerhead, for instance, can not only save water but can really help you save on your hot water heating bill. You can also install water-saving devices in faucets as well.
9. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water. Most of the energy used in a washing machine goes toward heating the water. Even by switching the temperature from hot to warm on a regular basis can really save you money.
10. Get a professional home energy audit. By having a professional go through your home, you can pinpoint any additional efficiency weaknesses in your home, such as air leaks and insulation gaps. In the end, implementing these fixes can really cut down on your energy usage in your home.