The number of ways you can make your home more energy efficient can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together some of the best – and easiest – places to get started:
Use your washer and dryer wisely – A lot of energy can be saved through the washer and dryer. On your next load of clothes, use the cold wash cycle. Clothes come out just as clean – and you’ll save a lot of money throughout the year. Also, don’t overfill the dryer or you’ll need to run it through several cycles just to get dry. When it’s nice out, use the outdoor clothesline.
Upgrade your light bulbs – Replace your old light bulbs with low-energy bulbs. Although it’s a higher upfront cost, they’ll last much longer and will glow brighter. You can also do the same with holiday lights – just switch them out for LEDs.
Use natural lighting – Instead of flipping the light switch when you walk into a room, open the blinds and use natural light. Blinds can also help keep heat inside during the cooler months, saving you money on your electricity bill. Also, make sure to turn off the lights as soon as you leave the room.
Install a low-flow showerhead – Replace your showerhead with a low-flow model. The newest models offer great water pressure and the option to easily switch the water supply on and off as needed. These showerheads range in price from $20 to $200, but will save as much as $75 on your yearly water bill. Real Goods has several great low-flow showerhead options.
Unplug your appliances – This may seem like a simple rule of thumb, but it’s something that’s commonly overlooked. Appliances and cell phone chargers use energy even if they’re not being used. Next time you’re done with the toaster or your cell phone charger, make sure you unplug it from the wall.
Turn off your computer – Put your computer in sleep mode or turn it off completely when you’re done using it each day. It will help save energy and will also help increase the life of your computer. You can also set your computer screen to go dark when you’re not using it, which is another great way to save energy.
Watch the thermostat – Setting your thermostat a few degrees warmer or cooler can save a significant amount of energy over the year. Studies show that for every degree you lower your thermostat, you’ll save 1 to 3% of your heating bill.
Keep in mind these quick and easy tips to make your home a little bit “greener.” Implementing even just one of them will save you energy and money in the long run.
