Energy costs can sometimes be up to half of the entire cost of running a home, so finding ways to reduce your energy bills can be a challenge. Often, however, it is the small things that make the largest impact on energy usage. Here are 10 ways to help reduce your home’s energy bills to make living just a bit more comfortable.
Keep Filters Clean
Energy costs do go up and down throughout the year depending on the outside temperature, but there keeping your unit’s filters and vents clean will assist in providing some relief. A standard central unit uses the home’s air forced through a filter and then condensed to cool the home.
Clogged filters prevent fresh air from getting into the system and even vents have the potential to get clogged, so a monthly check of vents with a change to the air filter will greatly reduce stress on the unit causing it to turn on and off less.
Use Fans Correctly
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to reduce your home’s energy bills, but only when they are used correctly. Cool air sinks, so in the summer ensure that the fan blades are rotating in a way that allows the cool floor air to rise. During the winter, rotate the fan the opposite way to utilise the warmer air from the ceiling.
Cold Wash Loads
Heating water for use in laundry costs up to 90% of overall energy costs to use the system. Washing in cold water reduces energy costs greatly and allows more colours to be mixed together in one load as cold water will not cause colours to bleed.
Use a Timer
Water heaters allow fresh hot water for the whole family. Traditional water heaters or boilers must however, maintain specific temperatures and that can lead to a lot of energy use. A timer on the unit will allow you to set specific times in which the water does not need to be heated. Set the unit for times where the family uses the shower or for washing dishes.
Do Laundry At Night
Depending on where your home is located, it might be more beneficial for you to do laundry at night. Some densely populated areas allow for cheaper energy rates after 8pm. It might take a little more effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Heat Smarter
Heating a home can be quite an expense, but there are many economical options that are more effective than standard heating units. One of the best solutions is the use of a modern wood burning stove. These units are more than worth the initial investment.
They come in a range of styles and colours to work with any décor and buying wood is substantially cheaper than running a standard central unit. Plus, using renewable resources reduces your family’s negative impact on the earth.
Full Dishwasher Loads
Utilise your dishwasher just like your washer. Make sure that the dishwasher is loaded effectively and that you rinse each piece prior to loading. This means that you can use a standard wash cycle without having to use the hottest cycle available. Also, just like with the washer, use the unit after 8pm if possible.
Unplug
Even when tech based devices are not turned on, they suck some power. These issues do not run a significant amount of power, but every little bit helps, so when a charger is not plugged into a device for charging, unplug the charger. The same thing should be done for game consoles and television sets as well.
Invest In Insulation
Modern homes tend to be well insulated, but older homes may not have insulation at all. If at all possible, have an expert come out to asses your home and re-insulate areas as needed. New expanding foam insulation is more effective than standard fibre glass.
Reduce Draughts
Draughts account for a substantial amount of energy loss annually. Even the slightest draught can lead to lost energy. Take the time to examine the home and look for draughty areas. Insulation materials can help, but also take special care to look at windows and doors. If your home maintains old style single pain windows, it might be beneficial to invest in new double pained glass for added energy efficiency.
It takes a lot of money to maintain a home with repairs and simple up keep, but much of that expense can be alleviated simply by a few energy saving tips. Take these 10 tips to heart and make your home work better for you. More money in your pocket means more money for fun activities with the family as opposed to having to spend more on wasted energy.
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