Have you ever wondered, “How can I reduce my electric bill?” or “How can I save more energy?” You’re not alone!
Whether you’re interested in going green to reduce your carbon footprint or gain green in your wallet, it makes sense to save energy.
Adopting these tips will save you money and help the environment.
Lighting
- Turn lights off when not in use.
- Install motion sensor or timer activated yard lights.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs.
Heating and Cooling
- Turn the thermostat down during winter and up during summer.
- Open curtains or shades on the south and west sides of your house on sunny days during cold weather.
- Close curtains or shades on the sunny sides of the house during the day in hot weather.
- Close curtains or shades at night during the winter.
- Run paddle fans clockwise on low during the winter to circulate air, and counterclockwise during the summer (when in the room) to feel cooler.
- Check ductwork on the HVAC system for leaks. Patch ducts with metallic tape or duct mastic.
- Change your air filter every one to three months.
- Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use.
- Install solar blocking film on windows.
- Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Install foam gaskets on plugs and switches on exterior walls.
- Insulate fold-down attic stairs.
- Caulk exterior cracks and gaps around your house.
- Add insulation to the attic.
- Plant deciduous trees on the house’s south and west sides.
Electronics
- Turn off the TV and computers when not in use.
- Set energy-saving options on computers so they’re in sleep or hibernate mode when not in use.
- Unplug chargers for cell phones and tools when not needed.
Washing and Drying Clothes
- Regularly clean the clothes dryer’s lint filter and vent pipe.
- Don’t overload the dryer.
- Dry clothes on a clothesline rather than in the dryer.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Run only full loads of clothes in the washer.
Hot Water
- Turn the water heater down to 120° Fahrenheit.
- Insulate your hot-water pipes.
- Drain your water heater once each year.
Kitchen
- Use a microwave rather than an oven for cooking.
- Use a slow cooker instead of an oven and burners for dinner.
- Run only full loads in the dishwasher.
- Don’t pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
- Turn off the dishwasher drying cycle; open the door and air-dry instead.
- Clean coils on your refrigerator.
Bathroom
- Take showers rather than baths.
- Install low-flow showerheads and aerators.
- Repair running toilets, dripping faucets and leaking pipes.
- Replace old toilets with water-efficient, dual-flush models.
Lawn and Garden
- Install motion detectors on your outside lights to reduce their use.
- Water your lawn and plants sparingly, if at all.
- Collect rainwater from gutters in rain barrels for watering plants.
- Set your lawnmower blade higher and cut grass less often.
