Energy Saving Tips
According to the Department of Energy, 113 million residences in America today collectively use an estimated 22% of the country’s energy. Unfortunately, a lot of energy is wasted through leaky windows or ducts, old appliances, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. When we waste energy in our homes, we are throwing away money that could be used for other things. The typical U.S. family spends at least $2,000 a year on home utility bills. You can lower your bills through these simple home improvements and maintenance tips.
- Heating and cooling system uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home—typically making up about 54% of your utility bill. Install a programmable or smart thermostat such as the Nest. Set as temp as low as comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. Do the same when you’re sleeping or away from home. Remember to replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners once a month or as recommended.
- Seal Air Leaks. Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weather strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.
- Blackout Curtains and shades. Hanging the right curtains or shades will reduce the amount of heat that is transferred via your windows by up to 24%, keeping the rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.
- Air Ducts are one of the most important systems in your home. If ducts are poorly sealed or not properly insulated they will contribute to higher energy bills. Check if your ducts have air leaks and seal them.
- Wrap your water heater. As efficient as your water heater may be, it still loses heat through its outer frame. Putting a fiberglass “blanket” can trim up to nine percent off of your water heating bill. (And if you haven’t already, turn down the water temperature to save more energy.)
- Get motion sensors. You’re probably astute at turning off lights when you leave a room. But your kids? Well, they’re a work in progress. Buy a few motion sensors which are programmed to turn off lights when everyone leaves a room. Also, consider motion sensors for your outdoor lighting needs. They are great for security purposes without leaving your lights on all night.
- Lighting. Replacing inefficient incandescent bulbs in and around your home with energy-saving bulbs such as LED lights could help you use 20%-25% less energy. If switching over to dimmable LED lights you’ll need to make sure you have a proper dimmer switch. Standard dimmers will be under-loaded in most LED applications, exacerbating flickering and strobing effects, which, in turn, can drastically shorten bulb life.
- Clean Dryer Vent. Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not clogged with lint. This will save energy and may prevent a fire.
- Kill the vampire. The term “vampire power” refers to the wasted electricity generated when electronic devices are plugged into chargers or outlets. Not only can you unplug them, but larger units like TVs and stereos can be plugged into a power strip and turned off when not in use.
- Get an energy audit. This is a procedure in which experts come into your home and identify ways that you can save energy.
- Contact Todd Brown Handy Home Services to schedule a home energy audit or to help with one of your home energy saving projects. Call 818-646-2142 or email todd@toddbrownservices.
Todd Brown Handy Home Services is an Authorized NEST installer and specializes in home automation, energy saving home improvements and maintenance.