10 Energy Conservation Tips

Conserving energy can help prevent pollution, fight global climate change, and even lower your utility bill. When you make your home energy efficient you save energy and money without giving up the comfort of your home. The best part is, energy conservation is easy! By making small adjustments to your daily lifestyle or by investing in long term solutions, your home will be eco-friendly and cost efficient.

1. Turn it off and unplug. Most of the electronics and appliances in your home continue to use energy if they are plugged in regardless of whether or not you are using them. Turning things off in your home from lights to devices is a smart household habit. You can even make it easier by connecting multiple appliances on one power strip which can then be shut off with the touch of a button.
2. Switch your lightbulbs. CFL and LED lightbulbs are more energy-efficient than regular lightbulbs and they last 10 times longer while still giving off the same amount of light. Even with these efficient lightbulbs, it is important to turn them off when not in use. This will stretch their longevity and continue helping you conserve energy.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. By installing a programmable thermostat you can save up to 10 percent on cooling and heating costs. For each degree you can save on your thermostat, you can save up to 3 percent on your energy bill. One great trick is to adjust the temperature of your home while you are sleeping because the difference in temperature won’t affect your home’s comfort at night.
4. Turn off your water. Saving water in your home is easy. You can start by taking shorter showers, turning off the water while you shampoo, or shutting off the faucet when you brush your teeth. These small actions can help save you gallons of water each year!
5. Use Low-Flow showerheads. This is a great inexpensive way to save water in your home. By installing a low-flow showerhead you can save up to 750 gallons of water a month.
6. Maximize your appliances. Appliances like your oven, washing machine, and dishwasher can use a lot of energy so you should make sure to use them efficiently. Make sure that you run your washing machine and dishwasher will full loads in them. When you are done using the oven take advantage of its heat as it cools down by heating up cookies or using the heat to run its a self-cleaning cycle. Better yet, avoid using the oven and opt for the microwave or grill if possible to help your AC keep your house cool. Converting to a tankless water heater will also help to conserve energy since tankless water heaters only heat your home’s water upon demand.
7. Help your AC and heater. You can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by maximizing or minimizing the heat from the sun through the use of blinds and drapes. Small fixes like making sure your furniture doesn’t cover up vents will help the airflow in your home. You can even keep your home cozy and warm by using rugs to keep your feet happy while also retaining heat.
8. Change out your filters. By changing or cleaning your furnace or AC filters, you can help your system work to its full capacity. With a dirty filter, your system will have to work harder to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
9. Turn down your water heater. By decreasing the temperature of your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 120 degrees you can reduce heating costs. Lowering the temperate to 120 degrees is still hot enough to keep showers comfortable and kill any harboring bacteria.
10. Seal your home. Air can seep in and out of your home through your walls, windows, and doors. Making sure that your home has proper insulation will reduce these effects and keep your home at a more comfortable temperature. It is smart to keep your windows and doors tightly sealed, especially in the winter, and you can ensure they stay shut with caulking and weather strips. Making these changes to your walls, windows, and doors can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling bills.

Energy conservation is good for both your family and the environment. It is a simple way to help our earth while also reducing your bills. By following just a few of these tips you will be on your way to making a difference in your home and the world we live in.