No matter the inflation rate or how the economy is doing, most Americans are always looking to trim costs and save money. With that in mind, energy efficiency is one way to help cut expenses at home while simultaneously benefiting the environment.
But what exactly is energy efficiency? In short, it’s using less energy to do the same job. Take lightbulbs, for example. Both incandescent and LED bulbs do the same job – light a room – but LEDs use far less energy to produce the same amount of light. Unfortunately, though, most homes use more energy than necessary to heat, cool, run appliances, and power electronics due to inefficiencies and energy waste.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of energy efficiency, plus seven easy tips you can do today to start saving energy and money.
Why is Energy Efficiency Important?
Many people think of the environment when they hear the term energy efficiency. It’s true that it has environmental advantages, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air pollution, and decreasing water use.
But did you know energy efficiency can save households money by lowering energy costs? The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that the average American household spends around $2,000 annually on powering electronics and lighting, as well as supporting hot water, heating, and cooling.
Home Energy Efficiency Tips
So, you’re ready to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Smart choice! Outlined below are seven easy ways to save energy. Start with a few simple changes – you won’t be able to change everything all at once. And remember, even a few changes are better than none.
Check Windows & Doors for Drafts
Start by closing and locking one window in your home. Do the curtains around the frame move inward or outward? Are there any cracks or gaps around the window frame? If you notice even the tiniest airflow, draft, or breeze, it may be time to replace your windows. Follow the same steps to check for door drafts.
Change the Furnace Filter
A little furnace maintenance goes a long way. Start by replacing your filter regularly based on its thickness. Below are the general rules of thumb for how often to replace your filter.
| Filter Thickness | Changing Frequency |
| 1-2 inches | Every 1 to 3 months |
| 3-4 inches | Every 6 to 9 months |
| 5-6 inches | Every 9 to 12 months |
Keep in mind, if you have pets or allergies, more frequent replacements may be needed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for precise guidelines based on furnace make, mode, size, and type.
Adjust HVAC Temperatures
In the winter, try lowering the temperature in your home. According to the Department of Energy, reducing your thermostat by seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day (or night) can save up to 10% on your energy bill. Alternatively, in the summertime, don’t crank the AC. Research from a University of Georgia study shows raising your thermostat can save up to 3% for each degree you increase above 72 degrees.
Lower Hot Water Heater
Lowering the overall water heater temperature, as well as using less hot water (for example, when doing laundry), can potentially save you hundreds of dollars each year. Most hot water heaters come from the factory set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In reality, this is very hot – so hot that it can quickly cause scalding. It is recommended that the temperature be lowered to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly higher. At this temperature, the water is hot enough to prevent bacteria from developing but should be safe enough to prevent scalding.
Switch to LED
According to ENERGY STAR, LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce energy bills. Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room, too.
Use Power Strips
Did you know that electronics on standby mode to conserve power still use electricity? Dubbed phantom devices, even those that are completely off while plugged in can sap power. To combat this, plug your smaller electronics, like laptops, lamps, and phone chargers, into a power strip. When those items are not in use, switch the power strip off. This will reduce your standby power, which can account for 5-10% of an average home’s energy use. You can also opt for an advanced power strip (APS) or a smart power strip for more detailed control. Or, go old-fashioned and simply unplug things until you’re ready to use them.
Large Appliance Maintenance
Face it, large appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers use a lot of energy. When it’s time to replace them, opt for energy-efficient or energy-saving models. Until then, maintain your appliances to make them run and work better. For example, clean the refrigerator’s condenser coils at least once a year. Lint can build up in the coils, forcing your refrigerator to work harder and longer and subsequently use more energy to do so.
Oaks Roofing & Siding: Quality You Can Trust
When you’re ready to make upgrades to improve your home’s energy efficiency, contact Oaks Roofing & Siding. With more than 20 years of experience, our team offers many energy-saving solutions to homeowners. Contact us today to get started on your path to energy efficiency.