Tips to Save on Your Energy Bill
Saving energy doesn’t mean just replacing old, outdated appliances or replacing windows. Even if you live in a brand new, energy efficient Burkentine Home, there are more ways to lower your energy bills.
Use your appliances wisely.
Use cold water whenever possible while doing laundry, put the right amount of clothing into the machines and wash them at night. Use the dishwasher wisely by reducing the amount of heat you use, load the machine correctly and run it at night.
Replace air filters monthly.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to run longer and use more energy. Also keep your furnace cleaned and vents properly maintained.
Program your thermostat.
Most energy costs come from heating and cooling empty (or unused) spaces. Program the thermostat to warm or cool your home when you’re there and switch off when you’re away and only heat the rooms you use. Bundle up with a cozy winter sweater or warm socks and keep blankets by your couch and an area rug to insulate the floor.
Close doors and blinds.
Close attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent drafts and keep in heat or A/C. Close your window coverings when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside and open the curtains on the south-facing side during the day to bring free heat into your home.
Invest in insulation.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs are lost each year due to escaping heat and cold air in homes without proper insulation. Get some inexpensive insulation from your local home improvement store and cover up all those areas where heat might escape. Start with foam weather stripping for your doors and windows; it’s extremely easy to apply.
Unplug.
Any electronics that stay plugged in when not in use is sucking up your money. Make sure all devices are turned off before you go to bed. The savings from simply turning everything off can add up quickly.
Replace light bulbs.
Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs. And turn off lights you aren’t using.
Set the water heater at 120 degrees.
Making the water too hot creates the danger of scalding, and costs you cash. The EPA estimates that a heater set at 140 degrees or higher can waste more than $400 annually bringing fresh water up to that temperature. Take a shower instead of a bath and install a low-flow aerator on an existing showerhead.
Help your fridge/freezer work more efficiently.
Leave room in the front of the refrigerator/freezer to allow cold air to circulate better. Since frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s good to keep the freezer full, but not packed.