Energy Saving Tips

It seems like everyone these days is looking for tips on how to save money. Our homes are our biggest expense and lowering the cost of operating it is a good way to boost your bottom line. Energy expenses account for a large percentage of the average household budget so finding creative ways to save energy makes sense in making your home more comfortable and efficient.

Here are some tips for saving energy at home:

Tip #1: Go from room to room and make a list of areas where you notice cracks, holes and other leaks. If your house feels drafty, you notice mold, mildew or a musty odor, your home is excessively dusty or you see condensation, then chances are your home is not properly sealed. Once your list is compiled you can set to work filling cracks and holes with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. If you aren’t the do-it-yourself type then contact a professional energy auditor to perform a comprehensive energy assessment. By following through on the recommendations of an audit you will achieve energy efficiency and savings.

Tip #2: Saving energy means not only using less but making the most of what you have. This is where insulation will help you lower your bills and be more comfortable in your home. Walls, ceilings, floors, attics and crawl spaces are areas where a thick layer of insulation is needed. The proper amount and proper installation is critical to getting maximum energy savings, so hire a professional for this job unless you are extremely handy!

Tip #3: Turn down the temperature in the winter and turn it up in the summer. Once your home is properly insulated and sealed you will really amp up your energy savings by simply adjusting your thermostat. A programmable one will regulate the temperature throughout the day. You don’t need to heat the house when you’re not home, so set the thermostat to lower when you are at work and asleep. Using ceiling fans and space heaters might seem like an extra energy drain, but it costs a lot less to run a fan or space heater than to crank up the heat or A/C.

Tip #4: Common sense habits like turning off lights when you leave the room are simple ways to save energy. Don’t leave electronic devices like televisions, computers and gaming systems on when you are not using them. Some high-tech devices are sensitive to changes in energy but if it is safe to do so, unplug electronics when not in use. Low-tech small appliances like toasters and coffee makers should always be unplugged after use for saving energy and money.

Tip #5: Taking showers instead of baths and shortening your shower time by two minutes will save a lot of energy over time. If you turn your hot water heater temperature down to 120 degrees you will also see savings in your energy consumption and monthly bill over time. This is a great way to save energy without even trying!