Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

It’s no secret that, similar to many areas across the country, the average electric bill in Kentucky isn’t getting any cheaper. If you’re taking stock of your home electricity usage, this is an excellent time to learn how to save on energy bills. The good news is, it may be easier to accomplish than you might have guessed.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Home energy saving doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some easy energy-saving tips to try in your home:

1. Turn down your water heater’s thermostat. Did you know that while most water heaters are set at 140 degrees by default, 120 degrees is perfectly hot enough for household tasks and bathing? And the best news: lowering your water heater setting by 20 degrees can save you as much as $400 per year in energy costs.
2. Seal air leaks around your home. The pesky, drafty air leaks around door and window frames, electrical switches and outlets, and around external water faucets are costing you money. Not only do they make your home less comfortable, but these air leaks are to blame for 25 to 40% of your total heating and cooling costs! Use caulk and insulation to seal these areas and quickly save energy.
3. Slay energy vampires. Indicator lights, digital clocks, and standby power all use energy, even when electronics and appliances are powered down. To save 10% or more on your electric bill, consider unplugging any items that aren’t in use. Or, to save time, plug them into a power strip that has a switch – you can simply switch the strip on or off as needed.
4. Switch to cold water for laundry. Most of the energy cost associated with doing laundry comes from heating the water. So, to save energy (and money), switch to cold water when doing laundry. Doing so can save you up to $250 per year, depending on how often you do laundry. For bonus energy savings, start line-drying instead of using a dryer.
5. Give your AC or heating a break at night. Cooler nighttime temps in the summer mean you can adjust the thermostat by a few degrees, which will save on your cooling costs. And, during colder weather, turning the thermostat down by a few degrees while your family is snuggled under their blankets can do the same thing. It’s also a good idea to adjust the thermostat for periods when no one’s home – there’s not much point in keeping an empty house at the perfect temperature.
6. Regularly replace air filters and clean air vents. Regularly dusting or vacuuming the air vents in your home, as well as changing the air filters at least every three months, helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. This not only saves on energy costs but also reduces wear and tear on the equipment.
7. Take advantage of the convenience of small appliances. Using electric kettles, microwaves, and toaster ovens all require less energy than heating up the oven or boiling water on the stove. For small cooking tasks, small appliances can usually do the job faster and more efficiently.
8. Close off unused rooms. If there are rooms in your house that are rarely used, such as a guest room or storage area, consider shutting the door to it and closing any vents or registers. There’s no reason to heat or cool an area no one spends time in.

Related Content: AC Maintenance in Kentucky

Need a Hand with Energy-Saving Home Improvements?

The tips listed above can all make an impact on your household energy usage, but there are other improvements and upgrades that will make a difference as well. Replacing old, inefficient appliances with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. And when the time comes to replace a water heater, furnace, or AC, choosing an efficient model that perfectly fits your needs can also have a positive impact on your energy usage.