These easy ideas on how to save energy in your home can have a huge effect on your bottom line.
Going green isn't just helpful for the environment-- it can conserve you money also. And what better time to begin some excellent practices right now?
1. Deny the heat.
Break out the sweatshirts and cuddle into that blanket. Reducing your thermostat a couple of degrees can translate to monetary savings. You can conserve as much as 1% for every degree you lower your thermostat for eight hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Replace that filter.
Swap out your furnace filter every three furnace repair in calgary to 4 months (more frequently if you have a large home and/or family pets) and get a yearly upkeep check. Unclean furnace filters limit air flow and increase energy use. Keeping your heater clean and properly adjusted will save as much as 5% of your heating expenses-- or another $10 per month, according to the California Energy Commission.
3. Ditch the 2nd refrigerator.
It might be time to lastly eliminate that old fridge in the basement. Yes, it's a practical location to keep cold drinks-- but Energy Star research study reveals that refrigerators made prior to 1993 can add $100 a year to your electric bill. Is it worth it?
4. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
The U.S. Department of Energy approximates a hot water heater set to 140ºF wastes from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses for storage water heating units, and more than $400 in losses for demand-type hot water heater (likewise referred to as tankless or rapid), which provide hot water as required. Lowering the temp to 120ºF must provide all the warm water you need while reducing your energy costs, and slowing mineral accumulation and deterioration in your hot water heater and pipelines.
5. Insulate your hot water heater.
Putting an insulation blanket on your hot water heater tank, and insulating the first 6 feet of hot and cold pipes will fume water to you faster, states the Epa (EPA). That suggests you'll squander less water waiting on the tap to heat up.
6. Try cold suds.
Using the cold water setting on your washing machine can reduce its energy usage by approximately 90%, according to Energy Star. Best part: It still gets your clothing clean.
7. Install low-flow fixtures.
Showering represent about 20% of home water usage-- or approximately 20 gallons of water per individual per day, the EPA reports. Installing low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets can decrease water intake by 30% or more, according to the EPA.
8. Purchase energy-efficient appliances.
Energy Star-rated dishwashers and washing machines save hundreds of gallons of water each year, and use approximately a third of the energy of less-efficient designs, Energy Star reports. Together they can cut your energy bill by more than $100 annually. Ask your water energy if it uses refunds to offset the expense of efficient fixtures and devices.
9. Use Energy Star light bulbs.
Isn't it time you saw the light? Energy Star-certified light bulbs utilize 70% to 90% less energy than basic bulbs, and they last 10 to 25 times longer.
10. Repair the Drip.
It may appear like nothing now, but one drop of water per second in a leaking faucet can amount to 3,000 gallons in a year-- enough to take more than 180 showers, according to the EPA.