Winter is here and who wants to turn their heat on and pay large energy bills?
We all want to save some money on our energy, especially when the winter months come around and we crank that heat and electric use up. It can get expensive.
There are many small ways, however, that you can use existing appliances to help keep your energy costs lower. Let’s be honest: you did turn your heat on, didn’t you? Better get to reading about how you can save energy and money in your home today!
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Identify Energy Loss Areas in Your Home
Start by checking for any energy-intensive appliances such as your refrigerator, water heater, and heating and cooling units. If these are not well insulated, they can account for a significant amount of energy loss.
Weather stripping and insulation can help mitigate this. Another area you can check is around doors, windows, roof and bay windows, and skylights.
If air is seeping in, then you may need to seal or re-caulk them to prevent your home from losing too much heat or air conditioning.
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Consider Replacing Older Appliances
Many older appliances use more electricity than their more efficient counterparts. Replacing them with newer models can help you reduce your energy costs by cutting down on your electricity usage.
More efficient models are often better for the environment since they use less electricity and generate fewer emissions. Replacing older appliances can make your home more comfortable and enjoyable, as newer models tend to perform better.
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Invest in Smart Home Technology
These technologies can be installed in your home to maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste. Smart thermostats can reduce air conditioning and heating costs by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature according to its usage patterns.
Smart plugs and power strips can be used to control electronic devices and appliances to reduce charge times and standby energy. Smart lighting systems can be controlled using mobile apps to dim lights and ensure they’re turned off when not needed.
Smart security systems can also be installed to help reduce energy costs by reducing energy wastage due to prolonged lighting.
Smart home technology can also be used to remotely monitor energy use and make adjustments to help you control your energy costs. Investing in smart home technology can help you reduce your home’s energy costs.
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Use Natural Lighting Whenever Possible
Replace some or all of your artificial lighting with windows and skylights that can allow natural light to enter your home. During daylight hours, you can rely on the sun to light your home and save money on energy costs.
If you live in a location that receives frequent rainy or cloudy days, you can install a light tube, which captures light from your roof and sends it into the interior of your home.
Utilizing sheer curtains and light colors in your home can help to reflect light and brighten darker areas of your home to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
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Unplug Idling Electronics and Appliances
When devices are left plugged in, they’ll still draw energy, even when they’re not being used. That’s why it’s important to unplug items such as game consoles, computers, television sets, and other electronics to conserve energy.
It’s also important to unplug appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, toasters, microwaves, and vacuums when they are not in use. If you forget to unplug any of these items, you may end up with an energy bill that’s much higher than it should be.
In essence, unplugging idling electronics and appliances can lead to significant energy savings and can help lower your home energy costs.
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Installing High-Efficiency Insulation or Caulk
By installing energy-efficient insulation, certain areas of your home, such as attics and walls, are better insulated and require less energy to heat and cool.
High-efficiency insulation or caulk also helps keep outsides air from entering your home and helps trap the air you have heated or cooled, reducing your overall energy costs.
Not only will you see annual savings on your heating and cooling bills, but you may even qualify for energy-efficient tax credits.
When installing any type of insulation, it is important to consider the area of your home being insulated and the type of insulation recommended for your area, as different types of insulation have different ratings for R-values, which determine their efficiency.
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Limit Your Use of Appliances With Large Power Draws
For example, limit the amount of time you have your dishwasher and washing machine running, and make sure to only use them when you have full loads.
Unplug large appliances, such as air conditioners, when not in use to avoid standby power use.
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Use Solar Energy
Solar energy is an abundant and renewable energy source that can be used to power most appliances, lighting, and other electronic needs. Solar energy is becoming increasingly more affordable and easy to install in homes.
Solar panels are becoming more efficient and require minimal maintenance. By replacing your home’s traditional energy source with solar energy, you can significantly lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Many governments offer incentives and rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar energy systems. With advancements in solar technology, it is possible to reduce energy costs in your home by going green and harnessing the free power of the sun.
You can search Blue Raven Solar on Google to get the best quote for solar panel installation today!
Learn How to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Home Today
Reducing energy costs in your home is not as daunting as it may seem. Utilize strategies such as exploiting natural light, controlling the thermostat, and unplugging unused electronics.
Making it a habit to assess your energy use is the way to be successful in reducing overall energy costs. Take action today and start saving money!
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Infographic Provided By Solar Panel Installation Company, Sunburst Solar
