- Unplug appliances you don’t use.
- Limit opening and closing your refrigerator.
- Allow your dishes to air-dry.
- Convert your appliances into solar-hybrids.
- Skip the dryer and put your clothes on the line if weather allows it.
- Wash your clothes in cool water. You can save up to $70 each year when using cold water as opposed to hot or warm water.
- Turn off the lights as traditional incandescent bulbs give 90% heat. Use energy efficient bulbs that give less heat and save you money. LED lights can save you 75%-80% in energy savings.
- Skip the bath, and use cooler, shorter showers. You can trim down your heating expenses by 33% this way!
Maintain Temperature Stability If you don’t have an automatic thermostat, it may be wise to look into one so you can program it while you are away so you are not wasting heat or cool air. Routine:
- Make sure your air ducts and windows are sealed properly to prevent leaks and loss of energy.
- Properly insulate your crawlspace and attic to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Routinely change your air filter in your heating and cooling system as recommended (usually once a month).
During the winter:
- Keep your thermostat at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit, if not lower such as 68 degrees Fahrenheit (what you are comfortable with).
- Also, you may want to invest in thermal window treatments if your windows are not energy efficient to keep the heat in.
- Did you know for each degree lowered during winter, you could save up to 5% on your energy bill? It does pay to dress and bundle up appropriately during the cold months.
Quick Tip: If you’re baking with your oven, use it to your advantage. After you are done cooking, turn off the oven, and crack it open slightly…there’s no need to waste the heat! Just make sure if you have any children or pets they are away from the partially open oven.
Photo by Jon Olav | Flickr