If you’re like most homeowners, you’re always looking for ways to save energy and reduce your utility costs. Projects like window replacement can make a big impact, but maybe you’re looking for some smaller steps you can take if energy-efficient windows aren’t currently in the budget. Alternatively, maybe you’ve recently upgraded your home and want to find even more ways to reduce energy use. The following tips can help you feel better about how much energy your household is consuming as you conserve precious resources and save money too!
Replace lightbulbs and plumbing fixtures.
When was the last time you replaced the lightbulbs around your house? If it’s been a while, or you only replace bulbs as they burn out, swap any older bulbs for LED lightbulbs. Not only will LEDs last much longer than older iridescent and CFL bulbs, but they can save you about $75 per year.
Another quick swap to save energy is replacing your plumbing fixtures. Low-flow showerheads and faucets are affordable to install and can dramatically reduce how much water you use at the tap. Just switching to an efficient showerhead could curb your water usage by 2,700 gallons per year! Of course, you can save even more by cutting two minutes off your usual shower time.
Reduce hot water use around the house.
Hot water is a must for certain activities like taking a shower or washing dishes. However, most loads of laundry don’t require hot water. In fact, washing clothes in cooler water can help them last longer, especially if you have a lot of activewear in your wardrobe. In addition, switching from hot to cold water in the washing machine can reduce your per-load energy usage by half. Households of any size will see a noticeable difference in the utility bills from this one simple change.
Save energy with the right appliances.
Have a little extra room in the budget? New appliances may help you make even more wiggle room in the budget later thanks to your newfound energy savings. If you can’t upgrade yet, check that the seals along your fridge and freezer doors are still functional. Otherwise, you can replace the rubber strips along the edge of the doors so that they always close tightly. This will prevent you from draining your wallet due to a simple leak.
In the laundry room, be sure to empty the lint trap in the dryer between each load. You might also clean the dryer duct to ensure proper airflow, which will help clothes dry quicker. This can also eliminate a leading cause of household fires.
Adjust fridge and freezer settings.
While you’re looking at your appliances, check the temperature settings for your fridge and freezer. You’ll likely have some wiggle room to raise the temperature without compromising your food’s freshness. Set your fridge to 38 degrees and your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees for improved efficiency.
Don’t push off home repairs.
When the need for minor home repairs arises, it can be tempting to push off the necessary work. That’s especially true if the budget is tight. However, prolonging necessary repairs could end up costing you more over time. For example, consider the potential impact of a leaky faucet. While each drip doesn’t seem like much water, all those drips add up over time. You could see additional gallons of water usage on your monthly bill just from one leak.
Install smart power strips.
Another source of passive energy use you may not think about is the many electronics that are constantly plugged into outlets around your home. You might use them only occasionally, but they’re always drawing energy from your outlets. With smart power strips, the current is cut off for devices that aren’t currently in use, so you’re not paying for electricity you aren’t using.
For more significant home upgrades like energy-efficient windows and doors, call Crandell Glass & Aluminum to begin a project estimate with our team. Alternatively, browse more of our blog posts for other great tips on how to save energy while improving your home.