In today’s economy it seems homeowners across the country are doing their very best to cut costs by conserving energy. Conserving energy in your home can be very beneficial for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include saving money by reducing the high costs of monthly utility bills; preserving the environment for a cleaner, greener tomorrow; reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enhancing the quality of indoor air. There are many ways people can safely conserve energy in their homes, and beyond.
Here are a few easy ways to cut costs in your home while conserving energy:
Lighting
The old saying applies, “Shut the lights off when you leave the room.” When you leave a room for a minimum of five minutes, turn out the lights. This small step will save you money and conserve energy at the same time. Long-term, it will greatly cut costs and put money in your pockets.
Also, consider replacing the incandescent light bulbs in your home for new fluorescent light bulbs. These energy efficient bulbs can offer the same light levels for significantly less energy.
Weatherize The Windows and Doors
By simply weatherizing the windows and doors of your home you can significantly save energy and cut your monthly cooling and heating costs. This simple task can be achieved by sealing the windows and doors of your home using a plastic film cover, weather stripping, and an inexpensive tube of caulking.
The sealing helps prevent cold drafts from entering your home through the windows and doors, conserving the energy used for cooling and heating.
Thermostat
During the cold winter months it is best to set your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees. At night, it is best to try to reduce the thermostat down 5-10 degrees. It has been suggested by experts that it is best to sleep under cooler conditions.
During the hot summer months, consider installing ceiling fans throughout your home for an increased air circulation instead of leaving the air conditioner run constantly; day and night.
Electronics
Always unplug electronic devices that are not in use. This is one easy way to conserve energy in your home.
Some examples include televisions, radio, stereos and battery chargers. All of these electronics combined use the same amount of power, daily, as a refrigerator.
Kitchen Appliances
It is just as important to unplug unused electronics in the kitchen, as it is in the rest of your home, especially when preparing food. It can be very beneficial to utilize smaller kitchen appliances when preparing meals, including toasters, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, hot plates, and slow cookers. These small kitchen appliances tend to use less energy compared to electric ovens.
Hot Water
There is nothing like a long, hot shower after a hard day at work. Did you know by simply decreasing the use of hot water in your home, you can conserve energy, greatly. Experts claim, the average shower should only last about five to ten minutes.
One of the easiest and simplest ways to conserve energy is to wash clothes in a washing machine using cold water. Also, consider washing bigger batches of laundry instead of so many small loads. Also, clean the lint screen well after every use, which will help conserve energy.
Homeowners should also be aware of hot water heaters and their high amount of residential energy consumption!
Natural Gas
Natural gas is more energy efficient for homeowners than electric so when possible, use gas cook stoves, hot water heaters, dryers, and other appliances instead of electric ones.
Recycle
Did you know that long-term recycling will actually save you money? All you have to do is recycle old newspapers, magazines, cans, plastics, and clear and colored glass. This will save you money, conserve energy and provide a better, brighter future for tomorrow.