How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Whether it's summer, winter, or anywhere in between, you may be constantly throwing money out the window. How does this happen? Through wasting energy. Not only can you save money by implementing a few quick tips, you can also help the environment by consuming less resources, and emitting less toxins into the environment.

LIGHT

All homes need to be lit. However, you can reduce the amount of electricity used to light your home by implementing a few quick tips. Number one is to turn off unneeded lights. This sounds simple, and it is, but having just one unneeded light on can quickly add up to a lot of wasted money each year. Be sure to turn off the light anytime you leave a room. You can also reduce the amount of electricity you use by investing in energy efficient light bulbs. These bulbs come in a variety of light types ranging from the yellow glow you may be used to, to bulbs that mimic the look of sunlight. These bulbs use significantly less electricity and last longer than your typical light bulb as well.

DRAFTS

Drafts are one of major concerns when it comes to keeping the heat or air conditioning in. Draft can occur because of gaps underneath doors or around windows. For windows use caulk to seal up any openings between inside your home and the outside. For doors use a towel to block the drafts. You can also sew up a long fabric bag the length of the door and fill it with rice. This will add weight to the fabric and help better block the drafts. Updating your doors and windows can also save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

THERMOSTAT

Investing in a self regulating thermostat for your home may also help you save a significant amount of electricity. These thermostats will keep your home at a constant temperature allowing you to stay comfortable while not using more heat or air conditioning than you need. Turn these thermostats down in the winter time and up in the summer time while you are sleeping to help you save more energy.

WATER HEATERS

Water heaters are one of the largest culprits when it comes to wasted energy. Turning your water heater down even five degrees can save you a significant amount of money. Even when you are not using your hot water, the water heater still has to keep the water at the set temperature. If you have an older water heater, consider replacing it for one that is better insulated and more efficient. This will prevent heat energy from escaping the unit.

FURNACE FILTERS

Regardless of whether you use oil, gas, or electricity to power your furnace, dirty filters make your furnace have to work harder and in turn waste more energy. You should check your filters at least every other month to see if they need to be replaced.

APPLIANCES

Appliances have come a long ways in helping you save energy while still not sacrificing their ability to work properly. Look for appliances that have great energy efficiency rating (EER). The better the EER, the less energy the appliance will consume.