Energy Saving Tips for Your Home
For just about everything you do at home, there are ways to save energy but accomplish the same tasks. Energy conservation is important; it preserves the environment and helps you save money. Perhaps you don’t have the resources to invest in a renewable energy system. That is OK—there are affordable and simple ways you can save energy at home and reduce your electric bills. Follow these energy saving tips to learn more.
Make Sure Your HVAC System Is Properly Sized
About 40% of the energy used at home is for heating. If it’s time for a new air condition system, choose one that is ENERGY STAR certified. Proper sizing is essential. If the system is too big, it will be cycle on and off too frequently, while an undersized system will be less efficient as well. In both cases, the equipment will not last as long.
For your existing HVAC system, routine maintenance will help save energy. Change the air filter frequently and schedule regular professional service to address efficiency issues.
Ventilate and Weatherize Your Home
Ductwork should be properly sealed and insulated to reduce air leakage and energy loss. Updating your ventilation system can cut heating/cooling costs by 20%. You can therefore save hundreds of dollars per year. Air leaks don’t only occur in ducts. Applying weather stripping to spaces around windows and doors can resolve air leakage, as can caulking around vents and other stationary leak points. Even openings for plumbing and electrical wiring can allow air to leak; inspect your attic and insulate it as needed to start saving more energy.
Conserve on Lighting
Lighting accounts for just 5% of your electric bill, but there are many easy ways to conserve here. One is to turn off lights when not in a room. If you have old incandescent lights, replace them with LEDs or CFLs. Leave these types on if only leaving for a few minutes; they’ll use less power than when turning them on and off.
Turn Off Electronics
Computers, printers, and other electronic systems shouldn’t be left on all day. They’ll continue to draw power whether you are using them or not. Also, set your computer to sleep mode rather than use a screensaver.
Unplug Appliances
A battery charger, power adapter, toaster oven, or even refrigerator that’s not in use should be unplugged. Any device that remains plugged in will still draw power, whether it is on or off.
Change Hot Water Habits
A lot of energy goes into water heating. If your water heater still has life left to it, you don’t have to go buy the most efficient model to start conserving energy. You can reduce water heating expenses by:
- Using less hot water at home
- Lowering the water heater’s thermostat
- Insulating the appliance and hot/cold water pipes
Use Your Washing Machine More Wisely
Washing full loads, and using cold water, helps save energy and water. About 90% of energy used by a washer goes into heating water; only 10% powers the motor in the appliance. If your washer is more than 10 to 12 years old, consider a new ENERGY STAR certified washer, which reduces water consumption by at least 50% and energy use by around 30%. When using your dryer, run full loads, dry partial loads for less time, and always clean the lint trap.
Get Professional Electrical Service
Old wiring, improperly installed appliances/fixtures, and other electrical issues may be wasting more energy than you think. If your electric bill could be lower, allow Titus Electrical Services to inspect your electrical system and provide electrical repairs, upgrades, and maintenance where needed. Our business is family owned and operated and serves residential homeowners in Frederick, CO, Longmont, and surrounding communities. We can help you conserve energy and help with any type of electrical system project or remodel.
Contact Titus Electrical Services today at 970-329-2337.