The new year is approaching quickly. Most people have at least one resolution on their mind. If you are a homeowner, one of these resolutions should be making your home more energy efficient. This can help you save money and protect the environment at the same time. By reducing the amount of energy you waste, you will see savings reflected on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some ways you can make your home more energy-efficient in the coming year.
Turn Off Devices and Appliances
Most people think turning off the lights when they leave a room is enough. This is helpful, but you will also need to turn off other devices and appliances if you really want to save energy and money. Make sure your computer, cable box, video game consoles, and television are turned off when you aren’t actively using them. Even when these devices and appliances are not in use, they use energy. Chargers for cell phones and other wireless devices can also use small amounts of energy when they are plugged in. An easy way to remember to turn off all your devices is to plug them all into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once.
Your computer can also be switched to sleep or hibernate mode, which uses considerably less power than when they are active. You should program yours to do this roughly after 10 to 15 minutes of no use.
Preserve Energy
If you are like most people, you use a lot of energy regularly. Reducing your reliance on electricity can make your home more energy efficient. For example, don’t run your washing machine or dishwasher when they aren’t full. Only wash your clothes in cold water, except for very dirty loads.
As for your refrigerator, you should make sure it is between 28- and 42-degrees Fahrenheit, and your freezer should be between 0- and 5-degrees Fahrenheit. Once you do this, you should make sure they are sealed properly so that cold air won’t escape and more energy won’t be needed. Your dryer can consume more energy than many of your appliances combined, so it may be a good idea to air-dry your clothing if possible. If you have a modern dryer, you can set it to a moisture-sensing setting, so it won’t work harder than necessary.
Pay Attention to Your Television
Modern high-definition televisions consume roughly 60% less energy than their predecessors. Despite this efficiency, many internet-connected models consume additional power when they are turned off due to a “quick start” feature. This feature allows your television to turn on quicker, but most of the time it can be disabled in settings. If your television has an automatic brightness control, you can take advantage by allowing it to adjust the brightness of your television. The brighter your television is, the more energy it consumes.
If you use streaming services, you may want to consider buying an internet-ready television or device. Both use a minimal amount of power. Try not to stream content through game consoles, which can use up to 30% more energy than a television.
Seal Gaps and Openings
If your home has a lot of gaps and openings, you may be using more energy than is necessary to keep your residence at a comfortable temperature. You can weather-strip and caulk these air leaks. This way, you won’t have to run your heat as much during the winter since warm air won’t be escaping from your home. Window putty can be used to seal the gaps around any loose windowpanes you may have.
Improved insulation in your attic, around your pipes and water heater, and in crawl spaces can also help you make your home more energy efficient. Taking steps, such as replacing old windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones, can make the greatest difference. If air escapes and enters through your floorboards, you can use a rug to cover any gaps.
Seek Out Energy Star Products
When shopping for electronic devices or appliances, always look for products with the ENERGY STAR label. These products use significantly less energy than older models, and they can make a huge difference in your monthly utility bills. Some states and energy providers even offer various incentives and consumer rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR products. If you are shopping for a computer, remember that laptops use considerably less energy than desktops that are hooked up to monitors. You can also replace fixtures, such as showerheads, in your bathroom to prevent the flow of excess hot water.
Check Temperature Settings
If you choose to purchase an energy-efficient air conditioner, water heater, or heater, your savings will depend on the temperature you set them to. Consider what temperature you need inside your home and what temperature you want your water to be. For example, do you really need to crank up your heat in the winter when you can simply put on a sweater? Investing in a programmable thermostat can also reduce your energy consumption, especially since it can adjust your temperature automatically throughout the day.
You should check the temperature settings on your electric or gas water heater as well. If it is set too high, you could be unnecessarily wasting energy. If your water burns your hand, you probably have your water heater temperature set too high.
Choose Renewable Energy Sources
Many homeowners can choose their energy suppliers. If you have this privilege, you can choose one that utilizes renewable power resources. Solar, low-impact hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind sources are all good choices. Using these types of energy sources is also great for the earth and your utility bills. You can rest easily knowing you aren’t overpaying for electricity, and you are reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
Change Your Light Bulbs
When looking to save energy, you can look at the light bulbs you use. Switching to LED light bulbs, which often cost less than $5, can help you save more than $100 over their lifetime. LEDs utilize more than 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and most last considerably longer. LED bulbs come in a wide range of colors, intensities, and shapes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs and aesthetic. They are also capable of reaching full brightness immediately, and many can be connected to dimmer switches. You can also check to see if your local utility provider offers a rebate for using energy-efficient light bulbs.
Schedule an Energy Audit
Do you want to make your home more energy efficient but don’t know where to start? You can get an overview of your home’s current energy efficiency level by scheduling a home energy audit with a professional electrician. Such an assessment looks at your home’s average energy use and examines your past energy bills. Auditors can use this information to determine exactly where most of your home’s energy is going. They can also help you figure out how to reduce energy waste and make your home more energy-efficient.
Schedule Service Today
Finch Home Solutions offers a variety of electrical services to Shakopee, MN, and the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. We have years of experience focusing on the electrical needs of homeowners, and we won’t stop working until our customers are satisfied. We work on everything from damaged outlets to electrical panels, and our services are prompt and professional.
Contact us to schedule service today.
