Energy Savings

Use a programmable thermostat.

The source of our largest expense at home is heating and cooling, but based on external temperature and personal preference, it can be subject to large spikes. You can reduce the energy you consume and lower your electric bill by resisting the urge to turn up the heat or turn the thermostat down, but when that isn’t enough you should consider installing a programmable thermostat. With this device, you can simply program the temperature according to time of day without the need for adjusting it manually. This will allow the thermostat to make the changes automatically which will not only help your home to be more energy efficient, it also allow you to circumvent some of the traditional expenses of heating and cooling. This can be done by having your thermostat set the temperature to more cost-effective levels during periods in which no one is home or when you’re asleep. This will save you money and is even better because you can have your thermostat ready to set things right for the time you awake or arrive home.

Extra-insulate your home.

In the cold winter months, or the humid and hot summers, temperature can threaten the comfort within homes. There can be many causes for this but one of the most prevalent stems from poor insulation. Insulation is the protection that enables your home to maintain its temperature, both the heat during the cold months and the cool during the summer months. And because of its capability, insulation enables you to save energy and ultimately money. As a result, it is important to check the insulation in your home, from your ceiling insulation to your walls to your pipes, to reduce the need for heating and to cut the cost of your electric bill. 

Replace your Air Filters.

As you go about doing your housekeeping, be sure to keep an eye on your air filter. The purpose of the air filter is to catch debris like dust, pollen, and lint, and circulate the clean air throughout the cooling and heating system. This helps to keep the HVAC in proper working order which is the key to energy-efficient central air and heating systems. The process of replacing your air filters also helps to ensure your system is working optimally, which utilizes less energy than a system with dirty filters. This reduces the work your HVAC system has to do, in turn saving energy and lowering the amount you’ll have to pay on your electric bill.

Replace your old water heater.

​Coming in a close second to the cost of heating and cooling within the home is the water heater. This is the appliance that is responsible for distributing hot water to sinks and showers, along with laundry machines and dishwashers. A portion of the expense comes from the heater maintaining a store of warm water in a tank. There are tankless water heaters, however, the majority of homes come with a tank. By lowering the temperature a few degrees, you can shave some money off your electric bill. The ideal temperature for heaters to be set at is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the event you ever go on vacation or are spending an extended period of time away from your home, turning off the water heater while you’re gone is another way you can save money.

Use Appliances Strategically.

​The process of washing clothing involves a lot and when it comes to energy, there are several ways to make it more efficient. One of the best methods for doing so involves adjusting the temperature of the water you use when washing your garments. In order to provide warm water to your washer, the water heater has to work hard and use a considerable amount of electricity. This energy use can be mitigated however by washing your clothes in cold water. It is still an effective means of cleaning your wardrobe but it won’t cost you as much to do so. Even when you’re doing dishes you can lower your electric bill by fully loading the machine before washing instead of only partially filling it. Strategies can vary, especially based upon your current consumption behaviors, but doing your best to use them wisely is a surefire way to put money back in your pocket.