10 quick and easy ways to make your home more energy efficient
Is your home costing you more than it should? You might be throwing your money away if you haven’t made your home energy efficient. Wasted energy from basic inefficiencies can cost you a lot in utility bills. The good news is little changes can be simple and inexpen-sive. Big changes may seem daunting and costly, but over time they can pay for themselves. Below are some tips that can save you money now, and some that will pay off later, both in utility costs and by increasing the value of your home.
1. Change your light bulbs!
The next time you need light bulbs, buy Halogen Energy-saving Incandescent Bulbs. They may cost a little more than traditional bulbs, but they last up to 3 times longer! Or, try CFL bulbs. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. If you’re new to buying energy-saving incandescent bulbs, you need to know that they aren’t labeled by watts, they are now labeled with the amount of light they put out, known as Lumens. A traditional bulb might be a “60 Watt” bulb, but an equally bright energy efficient bulb would be an “800 Lumens” bulb.
2. Seal Drafts
If there are drafts around your doors or windows, your money is floating out, right through those cracks. Inexpensive sealants include weather stripping and caulking. Even if you have sealed drafts around the frames of your windows, you might still notice a chill at the window pane. Drapes and blinds can reduce that chill, helping you cut back on turning up the heat. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is shut when you’re not using it. Just as smoke floats up the chimney when there’s a fire, cold air comes down when it’s not being used. So make sure it is closed up after the fire is out,. You can also get an inflatable chimney balloon. This is an easy to use device that blocks air flow. It self-deflates upon contact with hot air, so don’t worry if you forget to take it out before you start your fire.
3. Turn off the electronics
Did you know that electronics, such as your T.V., computer, and stereo, aren’t completely turned off when you push the power button. They go into a “sleep” mode, which still uses electricity. Plug these items into power strips, and turn the power strip off, when you’re not using them. This will stop the electrical current altogether, stopping your utilities bill from adding unnecessary electrical use.
4. Wash with awareness
Of all the appliances in your home, your water heater uses the most energy. Taking short, warm, showers, instead of long, hot, showers or baths, will reduce the costs from your water heater. When you wash your clothes, make it a full load, so that you’re not wasting water. Also, try letting your clothes air dry, instead of using the dryer. Don’t forget that your dish washer also uses hot water. Make the most of the water used, by washing full loads of dishes.
5. Lower water heater to 120℉
Simply lowering the heat on your water heater to 120℉ will reduce your utility costs, and still give you adequate hot water.
6. Install a Programmable thermostat
Does your house need to be as warm when you’re not in it? Install a programmable thermostat so that you’re not needlessly heating your home during the times no one is there. You can also program it to lower the heat, slightly, when you are sleeping.
7. Turn your home into Smart Home
Smart meters, and home energy management systems, help you see how energy is being spent in your home. They can also give you remote access to turn of electronics, or adjust the thermostat, when you’re away from home.
8. Improve your insulation
Insulation is one of the best defenses to wasting energy. Whether heating your home in winter, or cooling it in the summer, insulation keeps your home’s temperature just the way you like it. Insulation is rated according it’s R-value (the amount of heat flow). Ohio’s recommended R-value for insulation is R38 – R60 for attics, and R25 – R30 for floors.
9. Swap out old appliances for EnergyStar® appliances
EnergyStar® appliances meet federal standards for energy efficiency. These appliances may cost more than others, but that is only the upfront cost. Think longterm. Over time, the money you save from lower utility costs will exceed the price difference you paid at the store.
10. Utilize solar power
Wouldn’t it be great if you could create your own energy for your home? You can, with by using solar power. There are small ways to use solar power, such as solar powered yard lights, and big ways to cash in on the sun’s rays, such as solar panels. With solar panels, not only will your electricity bill be reduced (sometimes by half), but some utility companies will actually pay you! Depending on how much power your installment creates, your utility company might be able to use some of it. Check with your utility company for applicability.
Get started today! Remember that the long term savings from these investments will more than pay themselves off. Not only will you save money in the long run, but these are investments to your home, which will increase your home’s property value. There are many incentive programs offering rebates, loans, tax credits, and more, to encourage homeowners to turn their homes into energy efficient homes. You can check for incentives using this helpful website. The City of Cleveland offers tax abatement for energy efficient improvements as well.
Have more questions about home energy efficiency? Leave a comment below or contact us at 216-663-6462.