Most homeowners can probably agree that one of the most important goals of owning a home includes keeping your costs as low as possible. This includes lowering your utility bills and saving energy at home. While there are many ways to save energy in your home, we’ve compiled the top 3 ways to save energy and lower your utility costs at home.
- The first and easiest way to save energy in your home is to utilize the different settings on your thermostat. Almost half of your household’s energy goes to heating or cooling the home. During theses hot, summer months, reducing the amount of time that your HVAC system is in use will lower your energy costs. If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust your settings to a warmer temperature when you are not home to prevent your system from running all day long, then have it set to cool down your house just before your return home for the day. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, you can still use this method by manually turning up the temperature when you leave, and back down when you return home.
- Another way to save energy at home is to use efficient lighting. The average home uses about 10% of its electricity use on lighting. Switching your light-bulbs to energy efficient light-bulbs, such as halogen, CFLs, or LEDs is a great way to save energy. Bulbs that have an Energy Star Label use less power than traditional light-bulbs and can last longer.
- Lastly, make your home more energy efficient my improving your homes’ insulation. Your water heater can use 18% of the energy use in your home, therefore, improving insulation to it will help it become more energy efficient. Add insulated wrapping to your water heater to help hold in the heat and prevent energy loss. Additionally, having proper insulation in your attic will help keep the hot air out of the inside of your home during the summer, and help to keep the cool air inside.
