If you have a family or are concerned about your carbon footprint, then you have probably looked at ways to reduce the amount of money you are spending on electricity every month. It may seem like a daunting task to try and overhaul your entire home to be more energy conservative, however, there are many small changes that you can make right now.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set a specific cooling or heating temperature. If the house temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, then the heater will kick on. If the temperature rises above a preset temperature, then the air conditioner will start up. This allows you to manage the temperature of your home on both ends of the spectrum. Setting the heater to 68 degrees and the cooling to 76 degrees can help you save big bucks.
LED Light Bulbs
Conventional light bulbs consume $6.02 in electricity per bulb on average compared to $1.26 per LED bulb despite having the same brightness. LED bulbs come in the same standard sizes with the same type of screw-on attachments, and the savings are multiplied by every bulb you replace. They also have features like dimming and come in different hues like warm white, cool white and natural. LED bulbs do not burn out the way traditional bulbs do; instead, they become dimmer after their useful lifespan is passed.
Ceiling Fans
Although it may seem counterintuitive, a ceiling fan can help you save money in both the winter and summer. Most ceiling fans can be set to spin both clockwise and counterclockwise. Set fans to spin counterclockwise in summer to pull hot air up and away, but in winter, set them to spin clockwise to push hot air down. This will assist your air conditioner and heater by taking some of the load off on a room-by-room basis.
Energy Star Appliances
Upgrading your appliances to Energy Star certified models can reduce your overall energy consumption needs dramatically. The Energy Star certification is backed by the government and provides a credible standard for efficiency testing. While this is a larger upfront investment, it has the potential for incredible savings while offering you many new smart home features. These appliances will also save you money in the long run.
Landscaping
This is likely not something that you will associate with saving energy, but it can be a step towards naturally insulating your house from heat and cold. If you are in a place that gets especially hot in the summer and cold in the winter, you may consider planting deciduous trees. In the summer, they shade your house and driveway. In winter, they drop their leaves and allow the sun to warm your home. Evergreen trees can be planted as well to protect the house from strong cold northerly winds.
Energy costs are rising, and it is beneficial for your home to be modernized and efficient. You can also save your money on telephone bills by knowing how to get a land line with low billing cost. These simple steps can be taken immediately so that your family can begin living more comfortably. Utilizing these methods can also help you save money by keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
