Save energy at home
The idea that you can save money and energy by staying warm in your home this winter is excellent. You can keep your home comfortable with the right resources while decreasing your carbon footprint. Here are seven tips to help you do just that.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can add up to 30% to your energy bill, so it's essential to take steps to seal them. Here are some ways you can find and seal air leaks in your home:
- Check ducts for gaps at joints and seams
- Look around windows, doors, eaves, and other exterior weatherproofing elements for gaps or cracks
- Check your attic insulation by dropping a flashlight through the floor above and looking down the wall cavities of your house (if there's no light coming through a particular spot on the wall or ceiling below, it means there is an air leak).
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Use a Programmable Thermostat
When buying a new home, consider looking for this feature. These energy-efficient devices can save money by allowing you to adjust your temperature settings during off-peak hours, often when energy costs less. To get started with a programmable thermostat:
Small repairs and good insulation will help you save energy at home.
- Set up your existing thermostat as close to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and leave it there for 24 hours so that system learns how much heat you need in your home at different times during the day and night.
- Set up your new device (you should o this within 30 minutes of turning on the central heating system) according to these steps:
- Choose the correct time zone based on where you live. That will ensure that your schedule matches what happens in real life rather than an artificial clock setting.
Be Smart When Using Space Heaters
Space heaters are great for specific rooms in your home, but you shouldn't use them as the sole heat source. Use them to supplement other heating sources and make sure you're using them correctly:
- Use space heaters in rooms where you spend the most time and only use them in that room. They can quickly raise the temperature of a small area, causing your furnace to work harder than necessary.
- Space heaters aren't safe if you have small children or pets at home. Moreover, they certainly aren't safe if adults misuse them! Since space heater fires are so common , it's essential to know how to keep yourself and loved ones safe when using these devices indoors.
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Wear Layers, Socks, and Slippers
If you want to keep warm this winter, wear layers, Wear a long sleeve shirt and a sweater, then put on a coat over that. Wear socks and slippers or boots as well. You can also wear hats and scarves to cover as much of your body as possible. But what if you're not going outside? Then just keep the heat turned up!
It's better to maintain a steady temperature than turn on the heating frequently.
Lower Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees
Some homes with smart technology features have the option of an automatic setting for your water temperature. Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees instead of keeping it at 130 can help you save money on energy costs. That is a very easy fix that you can do in less than a hour by following these steps:
- Turn off the power to the water heater by flipping the breaker switch or turning off the circuit breaker. If you don't know which one this is for your electric water heater, flip all breakers and find out which ones are on when there's not electricity.
- Use pliers or channel locks to loosen three bolts on your water heater. Place them near where hot water comes out and supplies cold water.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Energy-efficient lightbulbs use less energy, are more environmentally friendly, and can save you money on your electric bill. The average home can cut its lighting costs by more than $100 annually by switching to compact fluorescent blubs (CFLs). CFLs give off the same light as conventional incandescent bulbs but use about 75 percent less electricity. Because CFLs last longer than traditional bulbs, they'll also save you money in the long run by reducing frequent replacement costs.
LED bulbs are the best way to save energy all year long.
If you just moved into a new home, make sure to install these energy-efficient lightbulbs right away. Professional movers from moversnotshakers.com say it's better to prepare your new home before moving in. Since the moving process can be expensive, you should decide how to save energy in your home from the start. That will help you save money in the long run and help the environment at the same time.
Use power strips for multiple devices
Power strips are an easy way to tame your home's tangle mess of wires. Simply plug each device into a power strip and the power strip into the wall. You can also use them in pairs, so if you have two laptops that need charging, for example, you could put them on their power strip and then switch them on or off together by fliping one switch (this is especially useful if they're far away from each other).
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With the Right Resources, You Can Save Money and Energy
The winter is when you need to be extra careful about saving energy. The cold weather makes it harder for your house to keep warm, which means higher bills. If you want to save money on your utility bills this winter follow these tips:
- Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans help circulate warm air throughout the home. They do more than just look pretty! Plus, they're easy enough that most people can install them themselves.
- Seal up the cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Minor repairs should be a part of the fall maintenance of your home. That will help keep heat inside during colder months but isn't necessary during warmer ones unless there are places where can escape easily (like vents).
- Buy energy-efficient lightbulbs! Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 75% less electricity.
Summary
There are a lot of things you can do to save energy at home. These tips will help you reduce your energy costs and environmental impact.