Last month we published a post on ways to save energy with energy audits, combatting heat loss, and energy-efficient appliances. Small improvements can add up to a big difference in your power usage. Start by making a few easy habit changes and work your way up to tackling the larger projects. Try out a few of these energy-saving tips and watch the effect it has on lowering your electric bill.
- Always turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Use sensors or timers on external lights so they’re only on when they need to be.
- Avoid dark lampshades that absorb light.
- Keep inside doors closed to block cold air from unheated rooms.
- Install a fireplace plug to stop warm air from going up the chimney and cold drafts from coming in. (Remember to remove it when you light a fire!)
- Use standby power strips and turn off all electronics at once when not in use.
- Keep the refrigerator stocked and let food cool before storing it – these steps prevent the fridge and freezer from working too hard to keep food cold.
- Turn off the electric stovetop or oven a few minutes early. Built-up heat can continue to cook your food.
- Also, use lids when cooking to help food cook faster.
- Do not use the “heat dry” selection on your dishwasher.
- To help eliminate drafts, install insulation pads behind electrical outlets and light switches and use child-safety plugs.
- Use a silicone door draft stopper and add weather stripping to block gaps on windows, garage doors, etc. (Look for “peel and stick” types that don’t require tools for installation.)
- Set your water heater to under 140 degrees.
- Use cold water instead of hot when washing clothes and wait until you have full loads.
- Clean out the dryer lint trap before each load, and scrub it gently with soap and water every few months to help your dryer work most efficiently.
- When buying new appliances, select the product with the best energy rating for the size you require.
- Furnish rooms with thermal insulated curtains, or even a shag rug, which adds extra insulation to your flooring.
Even small fixes like these can add up to significant savings. Give us a call to enhance the energy efficiency of your home (401) 293-5255.
