10 Ways To Be More Energy Efficient Throughout The New Year
Are you searching for real-world resolutions for the New Year? You might consider improving your energy efficiency. It could help you reduce carbon footprint and could save you a few dollars or more on your monthly energy bills.
These are just some ideas to help you get started.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
Replace your standard bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that give off the same amount of light , but more efficient. Be sure to use the right CFL bulb for every lighting fixture, and also consider installing timers to turn lights on and off automatically throughout the day.
Programmable thermostat
It is possible to upgrade your thermostat to a programmed one, which lets you alter the temperature settings to suit different periods of the day. According to the Department of Energy, programmable thermostats could save you around 10% a year in cooling and heating costs. It's also more cost-effective to keep the interior of your home at a temperature that is similar to outdoor temperatures.
Space Heating
Space heaters shouldn't be run 24/7 as it will increase your energy costs! Space heaters are able to heat a specific area of your house for a couple of hours at a period of time. While your heating expenses may be lower if heaters are utilized for longer periods, your electricity bill will be more.
Natural Heating
Make use of your windows whenever possible to heat and cool areas. Keeping window treatments like curtains or blinds minimal or leaving them unlocked let more light into the space, which will generate heat. Leaving windows covered keeps areas cooler. Once you decide on to discover extra information about energy, you've to sneak a peek at https://www.rekurzeme.lv/reklamraksti/kokskiedras-pretveja-plaksnes-ar-ko-atskiras-155151 website.
Washing Clothes
Cold water can save you around 40 cents for each wash. Showerheads that are low-flow, faucets, and toilets can also lead to significant savings in energy usage.
Power strips can be used to power devices.
If electronics aren't being utilized, connect them to a power strip. Avoid energy vampires that use up power and boost monthly bills This includes plugging in coffee pots and cell phone chargers, screen savers on computers, and virtually all other devices that are plugged in but not being used.
ENERGY STAR
If you are buying a new appliance or item that requires energy, make sure to check the label. To maximize efficiency and cost savings, look for items with the label ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR TVs, for instance have a 30 percent higher efficiency on average than standard models.
Use Your Appliances Wisely
Utilize your appliances with care and keep in mind that it's small things that sometimes make a big difference. Here are some tips A fully-stocked freezer will maintain the proper temperature more effectively. Making sure that the right size pot is matched to the dimensions of your burner supports efficient heating on the stovetop. Drying and washing laundry several times from back to back requires less energy than letting the appliances completely cool between loads.
Energy Efficient Windows
You should consider installing windows with high performance. ENERGY STAR states that heat gain and loss through windows can account for more than 50% of a home’s heating and cooling demands. But, there are a variety of window options available like double-glazed windows and low E coatings which can drastically reduce the loss of heat. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure you're purchasing the most energy windows.
Energy Audit
Conduct an energy audit of your home. Calling in experts to analyze every aspect of your home will help you find energy-consuming problems that are overlooked by the average homeowner. This includes roof leaks, leaking pipes, and poorly sealed windows and doors. Auditors may also recommend improvements which can be made to further reduce energy consumption.