Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. One common goal of most homeowners is saving energy and lowering the cost of energy and utility bills. There are many ways to save energy around the house, but we have put together 3 simple ways to lower your energy usage.
- Thermostat Scheduling: Close to half of a household’s energy goes to heating or cooling the home. Therefore, reducing the amount of time that your HVAC system is in use will save energy. Whether you have a programmable thermostat in your home or not, it is a good idea to set your thermostat to a warmer temperature when you are not home, to prevent your system from running all day during the summer months. Once you return home for the evening, turn the temperature back down to a comfortable temperature for you and your family.
- Efficient Lighting: On average, lighting makes up around 10% of a homes electricity use. One way to save energy through your lighting is to replace outdated light-bulbs with energy efficient light-bulbs, such as halogen, CFLs, or LEDs. Bulbs with an Energy Star Label uses less power than traditional bulbs and can last longer, saving you even more money.
- Improving Insulation: Your water heater can take up as much as 18% of a home’s energy use. Adding an insulated wrap to your water heater will hold in the heat and prevent energy loss. Additionally, having proper attic insulation can keep the heat or air conditioning inside your home, instead of letting it escape through the attic.
