If you are like most people, you are always looking for different ways to save a little extra money on your bills. While some of them, like your mortgage or car payment, are fixed, others can be lowered with a little effort on your part. Your energy costs are one area where you have some control over how much you pay each month. By following a few easy tips and making some simple changes around your home, you can start saving money right away. This article will give you some great DIY steps you can take to increase your home’s energy efficiency!
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Replace Your Light Bulbs
One of the quickest and easiest ways to start saving money on your energy bill is to replace all of the traditional light bulbs in your home with energy-efficient ones. While the initial cost of LED or CFL bulbs may be higher than their incandescent counterparts, they last much longer and use far less energy. In fact, LED bulbs can use up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and CFLs can use up to 75% less. By making this one simple change, you could see a noticeable decrease in your monthly energy bill. And, over time, the cost of the new bulbs will pay for themselves!
Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
Another great way to save on your energy costs is by making sure your home is well insulated. You can do this by checking the insulation in your attic and walls. If you find that your home needs more insulation, you can easily add some yourself. There are many different types of insulation available, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your home. Once you have added insulation, you will immediately start saving money on your energy bill!
Wash Your Clothes Using Cold Water
Most people assume they have to use hot water for their clothes to get clean. However, using cold water for your laundry won’t leave your clothes any less clean can actually save you money on your energy bill. Heating the water accounts for about 90% of the energy used to wash clothes. So, by making the switch to cold water, you could save a significant amount of money each month. Just be sure to use a cold water detergent for best results!
Turn The Heat Off When You Leave
One of the best ways to save money on your energy bill is to simply turn the heat off when you leave your home. If you’re going to be gone for more than a few hours, there’s no reason to keep your home heated. Just turn the thermostat down or off before you leave, and you’ll see a decrease in your energy bill.
Of course, you don’t want to come home to a cold house, so if you have a programmable thermostat, be sure to turn the heat back on about an hour before you’re due to arrive home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it may be worth investing in one, as they can save you even more money on your energy bill! There are even options available that give you total control of your thermostat from your phone!
Unplug Your Chargers
One of the biggest energy wasters in most homes is phantom power. This is the power used by devices that are plugged in but not turned on. Even though they’re not in use, they’re still using up energy. To save money on your energy bill, be sure to unplug all of your chargers when you’re not using them. This includes your phone charger, laptop charger, and any other type of charger you may have. Just by unplugging these chargers, you can save a few dollars each month on energy costs!
Use Weather Stripping
One of the biggest energy costs is heating and cooling your home. You can save money on your energy bill each month by using weather stripping to keep the cool air in during the summer and the warm air in during the winter. Weatherstripping is a simple and inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient, and it will pay for itself in no time! Just be sure to check the weather stripping around your doors and windows each year to ensure it is still in good condition.
Seal Up Your Duct Work
Another great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is by sealing up your ductwork. Leaky ducts can cause a lot of energy loss, which means you’re not only wasting money on your energy bill, but you’re losing a bunch of heat in your home. To seal up your ducts, go through and inspect and see if there are any gaps or holes. If you find any, apply a sealant to prevent further energy loss! Just this one simple change can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency and help you save money each month.
Clean Any Filters And Vents
It’s also important to keep your filters and vents clean. This will help your appliances and furnace run more efficiently, which in turn will save you money on your energy bill. Filters should be cleaned at least once a month, and vents should be vacuumed every few months. By keeping your filters and vents clean, you’ll ensure that your home is running as efficiently as possible. While this is important for energy efficiency, it is also important for extending the life of your appliances and furnace, which both can be expensive to replace.
Conclusion
Although many people are unaware of the small things they can do to increase their home’s energy efficiency, following these simple tips can make a big difference. By making a few changes around your home, you can save money on your energy bill and help the environment at the same time. So go ahead and try out some of these tips, and see how much of a difference they make for you! If have any energy-saving projects you need help with, there are a ton of professionals out there who can help assist you with whatever your needs may be.
